Making History at the Commonwealth Games

On Thursday, August 18, thousands of excited athletes entered the stadium for the Opening Ceremonies for the XV Commonwealth Games.

For Canadians, it was special -- we had home turf advantage, as the games were in Victoria, B.C.

For athletes with a disability, it was to become even more momentous. For the first time ever, they were competing as equals among their able-bodied counterparts.

Sixty-four years of history had gone by since the first Commonwealth Games. And now, 55 athletes from nine commonwealth countries were about to add something very special to those history books: athletes with disabilities competing for medal status. Their names will be remembered as the pioneers of inclusion. Among them are three wheelchair racers: Jeff Adams, of Toronto; Michel Juteau, of Val D’Or, Quebec; and Marc Quessy, of Sherbrooke.

On Friday, August 26, eight athletes waited anxiously in the starting blocks for the start of the 800-m wheelchair final. Somewhere in the middle field, high jumpers were pushing themselves to the limit. Now, the attention was focused on the 800-m and two Canadians, Adams and Quessy.

Within seconds the gun sounded. The crowd went loud, stamping their feet on the metal stands and screaming for more power from the eight athletes who were already pushing their limits. In one minute and a little more than 44 seconds, Jeff Adams had the time of his life. The eight years of dedication and sacrifice all came together... and turned to gold.

Canada’s other contender, Marc Quessy, who was battling back from serious illness, finished fifth. For Quessy, it was a difficult moment. He has been a leader in wheelchair sport. In 1992 at the Barcelona Paralympics, he brought home four silver medals. But he was not to despair. Sunday, he would compete again in a more gruelling event: the marathon.

On Sunday, August 8, 12 athletes waited for the start of the marathon in the drizzle after a heavy morning rain. Marc Quessy was back at the start line. This time he was joined by fellow Quebecer Michel Juteau.

Quessy was still not completely well, but he was determined to compete at his best. And for 22 km, he did. Still in contention, Quessy came around a left turn at about 40 km an hour after a good, long downhill, and hit water. His chair hydroplaned right into the barrier. The moment was held in time, but thankfully Quessy was okay -- just disappointed. The Commonwealth Games were not in the cards for Quessy. But he will keep going, with the spirit of an athlete.

Meanwhile, the race continued and Juteau was still going strong. He battled it out and finished with a personal best. Juteau came in a proud fourth.

In the end, after everyone had gone home and the streets of Victoria were empty, the games had been a success -- not only for the people of Victoria, who did everything possible, but for the athletes, coaches, fans and visitors.

Most of all, the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association is proud -- proud to have had three of Canada’s finest represent us on, and off, the playing field.

(Lorraine Lafreniere is Director of Communications with the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association.)