December 3rd is #GivingTuesday and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. By donating to BC Wheelchair Sports, YOU can help change lives through sport.
“When I'm racing, I feel free, all my worries disappear"
-Balraj Zimich, Wheelchair Racer
Meet Balraj! He’s a rising talent in the world of wheelchair racing and one of the many athletes whose life you can impact by supporting the BC Wheelchair Sports Association!
Born with Spina Bifida, the 22-year-old has been active in wheelchair sports since he was a child and has always been fast, refusing to let anything or anyone slow him down!
Balraj’s wheelchair sports journey began BCWSA’s Junior Sports Camp where he had the chance to try multiple sports, meet peers with disabilities and hop in a racing chair for the first time!
Balraj played several sports throughout his youth before joining the Wheelchair Athletics program in 2016, where he found a community that was more welcoming than he ever imagined.
“Track is an individual sport, but the athletes and coaches are like one big family, we motivate each other to be the best we can be.”
As his teammates and coaches supported Balraj on the track. BC Wheelchair Sports worked hard to eliminate the barriers Balraj's faced off of it.
Wheelchair sports equipment is very expensive with most chairs costing several thousands of dollars. Thanks to the generous support of people like you who donate and support the BCWSA Wheelchair Loan Program, we were able to purchase a racing chair for Balraj that's customized to meet his needs and will help him chase his dream of representing Canada at a Paralympic Games.
This year, Balraj took a big push forward towards his dream by making his international debut at the 2019 Nottwil Grand Prix in Switzerland
BCWSA helped the young racer get to Switzerland, by assisting him with travel costs and provided him with the coaching and support to make his first overseas experience a positive and memorable one.
"Competing in Switzerland was an incredible experience,
it showed me that with hard work, my goals are within reach!”
Through sport, Balraj has gained the confidence to chase after his dreams and belief in himself to push towards new heights on and off of the track.
From his first push at Junior Sports Camp to racing against international superstars, Balraj has already had an amazing journey and it's only just getting started. The sky is the limit for this talented young man.
You can Give the Gift of Sport and help more people with disabilities like Balraj discover their potential and achieve their goals.
Every donation/ makes a difference and allows BC Wheelchair Sports to provide crucial programs, equipment, and services to athletes with disabilities across BC.
To donate and change a life today, CLICK HERE