A couple weeks back I was in Calgary for the Olympic orientation camp and Hockey Canada Foundation dinner. I was lucky enough to spend considerable time with Jean Labonte, Captain of the men's sledge hockey team, and Gen. Rick Hillier who was the keynote speaker at the dinner.
I have a business relationship with Labonte and because of his handicap I had always felt awkward around him - as if I had to behave differntly. For some reason I just felt nervous, and it was a real eye opener to meet most of the team that week and see just how skilled these guys are and how they go about their lives without feeling nervous or different about us able-bodied folks. Labonte was cool about this - he told me to be myself, just relax and if he needed a door held open or such, he would just ask. I really got to know him that week - his story is an inspiration and as he reminds me, he will kick my ass in a sledge game any day - I don't doubt that.
As for the General - this man epitomizes the word LEADERSHIP. He was brought stature and attention to our great armed forces and never cow towed to the political leadership of the day. Rick spoke of the challenges these men and women face and I can assure you there was not a dry eye in the place. I am happy to post these pictures of two really great Canadian heroes.
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