Athletes from around the world spoke reverently about the devoted people who helped get them to where they are. CTV even offered up specially-themed features hosted by Rick Hansen called the Difference Makers — Mom and Dad, coaches, trainers, therapists and so on.
A group CTV could have added to its list is five REALTORS® from RE/MAX Performance in North Delta who've made a quite an impact on Paralympian Nathan Dewitt of Surrey.
As the Paralympics soon unfold, the top Canadian wheelchair sprinter in his class will likely become a household name here and with a little luck perhaps even worldwide.
Long before Nathan even knew he had the potential to be world class, the 21-year old racer and his family received financial support (and heaps of enthusiastic moral support) from five Fraser Valley REALTORS®: Anne Walmsley, Marylou Leslie, Darrell and Sharon Poetker and Trisha Calam. Nathan's Mom, Linda Dewitt, started out as an administrative assistant to Anne and Marylou; now she works with the Poetker team.
When asked what the support has meant, mom Linda and Nathan answer almost simultaneously. The difference that these members' individual donations have made since 2007 is indescribable.
"It's major. It's meant everything," states Nathan with a maturity and humility far beyond his years.
"There's no way my family could have afforded all the costs that are involved in this sport — maintaining my chair; entrance fees for local meets; getting on flights." He describes how his tires alone range from $40 to $60 apiece, eight of which he'll be hauling to London. Linda calculates that between chair maintenance and flights, Nathan has required at least $5,000 per year in additional support above what he receives from Athletics Canada and that's when the going is good.
There have been times that costs, both financial and emotional, have skyrocketed due to his condition, spastic dyplegia cerebral palsy, which he's had from birth. The condition requires him to have a shunt, which when blocked can have life-threatening repercussions. Sharon Poetker prompts Linda to share the story of a last-minute emergency flight to Calgary last summer.
Linda winces. "It was my first week starting my new job with the Poetkers and I had to drop everything and go.
"Nathan was there to compete in the 2011 Canadian Nationals, but didn't even make it to the track." He required emergency surgery to replace his shunt. This surgery, one of many, was the most serious to date. Nathan has had almost as many surgeries as he's had years — 19 surgeries, six of which took place in the last two years. All while trying to train and qualify for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
"He's one of the bravest people I know." Marylou Leslie gestures as if to say, how could you not love this kid? "His attitude is incredible." Anne Walmsley continues, "I remember seeing this shy, reserved teenager at our first fundraiser. And now to see him become this dedicated young man, a lifelong traveler, exuding confidence and commanding an interview.
"It's been the most wonderful journey to watch."
With a huge smile, RE/MAX colleague Darrell Poetker quips, "We had to support him, Linda made us!" Of course... just as Linda "forced" Darrell's wife Sharon to design Nathan's blog and Nathan "forces" his Mom to update it regularly. Clearly, it's all for one in this group and it's for a young man blessed with the gift of speed, a phenomenal work ethic and what Trisha Calam calls his indomitable spirit.
On August 21, Nathan will leave his family and supporters behind to head to London to acclimate and prepare for the biggest races so far of his career — the 100 and 200 meter qualifying and final heats on September 4 and 8 respectively. As an athlete who has consistently exceeded the international standards for his events, does he envision a medal?
"I just want to race. I know my strengths and my weaknesses. I just want to do the best that I can." Nathan hesitates for a moment, "It might sound a little strange, but as thrilled as I am to be able to go and represent Canada, I'm most proud of actually getting there after being in and out of the hospital the last couple of years and missing the nationals. A year ago, I didn't think I could get myself to the Paralympics level. I wanted to, but didn't know if I could."
All five REALTORS® and Mom beam with pride, as Anne says softly, "It's not who you are, it's who you become along the way."
To watch Nathan Dewitt in action and see why he's championed by these Fraser Valley members, tune in to the Paralympics starting on August 29 — for all info and event schedules click here.
Also look for special advance profiles of Nathan on Global TV and in the Vancouver Sun scheduled for August 20 and remember, you heard it in NewsReal first!
No comments:
Post a Comment