Michelle Stilwell, Parlympian, Politician and 2023 Canadian Disability Hall of Fame inductee

Synopsis

This episode of The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta is joined by Canada Disability Hall of Fame Inductee, Michelle Stilwell.  Together they discuss the intersection of sports, politics, and disability. The role of sports in social inclusion for people with disabilities is highlighted. Michelle also discusses her transition to wheelchair racing and her involvement in politics as a member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia. She emphasizes the importance of representation and policy influence for people with disabilities. The interview concludes with a discussion on the need for increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Link:

https://paralympic.ca/team-canada/michelle-stilwell

Episode Highlights:

Introducing Canada Disability Hall of Fame Inductee, Michelle Stilwell (1:57)

Significance of Being Inducted to the Canada Disability Hall of Fame (2:56)

Getting Started in Wheelchair Basketball  (4:00)

Representing Canada Internationally (6:40)

Medals in Other Sports (9:19)

Training for Wheelchair Racing (10:46)

Financial Barriers to Parasport (12:10)

Career Highlights (13:07)

How Can Sport Prepare you for Politics? (17:02)

Proudest Accomplishments in the Legislature (18:10)

Another Run for Office? (21:12)

Feelings on Evolution of Disability Rights and Inclusion in Canada (21:50)

Hopes for Disability Inclusion in the Future (24:40)

Advice for Others Facing Significant Injuries (25:56)

About Michelle Stilwell

Michelle Stilwell is the only Canadian woman to win gold medals in two sports at the Paralympic Games. She and the Canadian team won gold in women’s wheelchair basketball at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney. Stilwell also won gold in women’s wheelchair racing at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. From 2006 to 2016, she was the fastest wheelchair racer in the world in the T52-class; she currently holds world records in the women’s 100 m and 200 m. She also served as a BC MLA for Parksville-Qualicum from 2013 to 2020.

Reference:

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/michelle-stilwell

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