Meet Our Athlete Ambassadors
Abilities Ottawa is grateful to our amazing local athlete ambassadors who contribute to program development and program delivery. They share their individual stories, skills and knowledge with people of all ages and abilities in our community!
Tyrone Henry
Para Ice Hockey
Tyrone Henry
After his accident in September 2010, Tyrone Henry met Canadian Para ice hockey player Marc Dorion, who became his mentor. The defenceman was named to his first national team roster for the 2016-17 season and concluded a successful season with gold at the 2017 World Championships.
Since then he’s become a stalwart of Canada’s defence and helped the team to silver at the 2019 and 2021 worlds and 2018 Paralympic Games.
Henry played able-bodied ice hockey prior to his injury and had a difficult time adapting to Para ice hockey at the beginning due to the difference in skating methods.
Sally Thomas
Para Powerlifting/Boccia
Sally Thomas
Sally’s extensive sport journey began in 1980, as a cheerleader for the Toronto Spitfires, a men’s wheelchair basketball team. Her wealth of experience in a variety of sports over four decades in sport makes her a great ambassador for Abilities Ottawa.
It was through competing in athletics and basketball with and against other Paralympic level athletes, her dream to represent Canada in the Paralympic Games was born. In 2001, that dream was realized when she was named to the Canadian Powerlifting team. Ultimately, her biggest success was being named to both the Athens and Beijing Paralympic teams. She is a current Canadian record holder in bench press, with a lift of 77.5 kilograms (173 pounds).
Sally has spent the last four years competing in the sport of boccia with the Ottawa Jacks Boccia Club.
As a lifelong athlete, sport has played an integral role in maintaining both my physical and mental health. It has given me a reason to live and the desire to inspire others to ‘Dare to Dream’.
Bryce Desrochers
Boccia
Bryce Desrochers
My name is Bryce Desrochers, I am 21 years old and I play Boccia.
I am classified as a BC3 athlete, which means I need someone to help me place the ball on my ramp. Currently, I am ranked 5th in Ontario, and 17th in Canada. My biggest accomplishment was winning my first provincial medal, which was bronze. I am a 3x Ottawa regional champion. My biggest aspiration is to be on Team Canada in 2028 for the Paralympics.
I have been to the national Defi Sportif tournament two times. First year I won one game, in the tournament that just happened I had a 2-2 record, and only missed the playoffs by three points, but there was a three way tie for the last spot..It is my kind of sport because it is very mental and strategic
Sydney Weaver
Para Fencing
Sydney Weaver
Sydney Weaver is a multi-medal winner in the Para Fencing Division of the 2023 Ontario Youth & Cadet Championships
What does Sport mean to me?
Sport means a lot of different things because sport is truly is a part of who I am. Being involved in Para Fencing and having the opportunity to compete is something I am truly part of. But my connection to sport also motivates me to challenge my limits in the gym and aspire to continually improve. Sport is also about sacrifice and a willingness to commit to my goals. Sport also means a lot to me because of the community I have found within it. Some of my most valued friendships have come from fellow athletes, some I have received advice from, and others I have competed against, but all have been encouraging. Most of all sport has been where I have learned to accept myself and my disability.
James Budrow
Para Alpine
James Budrow
James Budrow is a brave 17 year old young man, who lost his leg at 15, taught himself to ski again, came out to try racing and managed to be competitive at Ontario Winter Para Games, Ontario Winter Games and Canada Winter Games.
James made the effort to get out to Kimberley BC for CADS Festival and classification, qualifying him to enter National Championships, in GS with respectable results! He is an athlete who expected to make the Provincial Team next season, progressing rapidly from the CADS Learn to Race program!
"My main sport is alpine skiing, currently for the Ontario ski team, with goals of the national team in the future.To me sport is a chance to be competitive and push myself, to learn, and to gain new experiences, but overall just allows me to have fun in life."
James Budrow
James Budrow is a brave 17 year old young man, who lost his leg at 15, taught himself to ski again, came out to try racing and managed to be competitive at Ontario Winter Para Games, Ontario Winter Games and Canada Winter Games.
James made the effort to get out to Kimberley BC for CADS Festival and classification, qualifying him to enter National Championships, in GS with respectable results! He is an athlete who expected to make the Provincial Team next season, progressing rapidly from the CADS Learn to Race program!
"My main sport is alpine skiing, currently for the Ontario ski team, with goals of the national team in the future.To me sport is a chance to be competitive and push myself, to learn, and to gain new experiences, but overall just allows me to have fun in life."
Kellen Schleyer
Power Hockey
Kellen Schleyer
2x Gold medal Canadian national champions
2x Silver Medal Canadian National Champions
Most Valuable player 2023 national tournament
Most sportsmanlike 2017 national championship
What does sport mean to me?
Sport gives me the opportunity to compete just like everybody else and have a competitive edge. It allowed me to build relationships and interact with so many great people. Sport allowed for all my worries and fears to get pushed to the side for the time on the court.
Nathan Sparks
Para Ice Hockey/Triathlon
Nathan Sparks
Nathan Sparks played with national Para Ice Hockey development team, played with Team Ontario for 2 years and played hockey for 15 years so far. Currently he is with Ontario Para Triathlon.
What does it mean to me?
Sport is a way to for me to compete with others but mostly myself where I am able to create personal growth and learn. With these skills I am then able to give back to the community through coaching, continuing the cycle of sport and the love for it!
Sam Graham
Wheelchair Basketball
Sam Graham
Credentials:
- 15 years of experience playing wheelchair basketball for the Ottawa Royals
- NCCP Level 1 Competition Introduction Coach
- Represented Ontario at the 2015 Canada Winter Games
- Head coach of the Ottawa Junior Royals Wheelchair Basketball Team
What does sport mean to you?
Sport to me means giving back to my community by coaching and helping to get children and youth involved in Para Sport, while fostering a sense of pride and belonging
