The Martlet

Canada has produced more than its share of exceptional athletes.

Among these are, of course, our Paralympians in Beijing, including Chelsey Gotell, Diane Roy, Chantal Peticlerc and UVic’s own Stephanie Dixon.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, many of us celebrated the remarkable achievement of another exceptional Canadian athlete named Terry Fox.

On April 12, 1980, Fox began the Marathon of Hope — a journey which would make his name a rallying call for courage and determination. 

Over the next 143 days, Fox ran the equivalent of one marathon every day from St. John’s, N.F. to Thunder Bay, Ont.

Unfortunately, Fox was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay when the cancer returned and spread to his lungs.

In response, Canadians everywhere rallied to Fox’s side and, by the end of 1980, had raised $23.4 million, fulfilling Fox’s dream of raising one dollar for every Canadian to be used for cancer research.

Today the Terry Fox Run is still held in Canadian cities and in countries throughout the world on the second Sunday in September.

Through his example, Terry Fox provided me with a role model when I was an adolescent who was struggling to come to terms with the reality of living with a physical disability.

Fox showed me that someone like me could achieve things most people wouldn’t even dream of attempting.

In addition to raising millions of dollars for cancer research, Terry Fox provided an important source of inspiration to those living with these struggles.

Fox’s selfless courage and determination serve as an example to both able-bodied and disabled individuals throughout the nation.

As Fox so eloquently put it, “dreams happen when people try.”

Perhaps most importantly, Fox demonstrated that courage and perseverance make it possible for people living with disabilities to far exceed society’s expectations.

Speaking from personal experience, I have tried to follow the example set by Terry Fox, who said: “nobody is ever going to call me a quitter.”

I would like to congratulate our athletes in Beijing and every student who chose to participate in this year’s Terry Fox Run. 

May Terry’s legacy never be forgotten.