The Gift of Play – Seeing through Limitations

An outstanding addition to the Life Without Limits Gala lineup is Nathan DeWitt, a former Paralympian who will be the keynote speaker for the evening. For those who may not know about Nathan’s history, he truly embodies the theme of our gala: Play Without Limits. As an infant, he was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy at 3 days old but he has not let that disability limit his life or opportunities in any way.

The former Tanabe Bursary recipient earned his Business Management Diploma at BCIT while training to compete in the 2012 London Paralympics. To him, wheelchair racing has not only been an opportunity to represent Canada, it’s become a way for him to be active and play for life. Nathan quickly fit us in between work and track for a short discussion about the Gala.

What made you want to get involved with the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC for this Gala?

“As a person with cerebral palsy, I wanted to share my story of success and show others that just because someone has a physical or cognitive limitation doesn’t mean they can’t accomplish what their goals are and what they set their minds to.”

As a former student and current athlete, what does “Play Without Limits” mean to you?

“Play Without Limits to me means being able to participate in any activity regardless of your disability through adaptation and communication. Adaption and communication to me means that students and their families can speak with teachers and instructors; educating them on ways to make programs and classes more accessible. Most of the time just speaking with the student is enough to figure out ways to make something more accessible to them.”

With a passion for educating and spreading awareness on cerebral palsy, Nathan is an exceptional ambassador for people with disabilities. He exemplifies our Play Without Limits and we’re grateful for his contribution to our Life Without Limits Gala!

---

This story is shared as a part of the Life Without Limits Gala

---