Individuals, families and companies across British Columbia and Canada are stepping up for cerebral palsy associations in STEPtember 2016.
STEPtember is a great opportunity to get active and support a worthwhile cause by raising money for people with cerebral palsy. It’s easy – just take the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day for 28 days through participating in a various activities such as running, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, wheelchair rugby, power soccer or wheelchair tennis.
Representing BC
This year we are fortunate to have ambassadors from across Canada, including two from here in British Columbia!
Nathan Shipley is a young man from White Rock, BC, who lives with cerebral palsy “quadriplega” (meaning it affects all four limbs). Nathan’s philosophy is “I can do anything I put my mind to”. He has participated in adapted horseback riding, skiing, and power soccer and is an avid sailor who enjoys being out on the water at Jericho Beach in Vancouver.
On his website, Nathan says, “I believe in being positive and not focusing on limitations. Despite having a severe physical disability I have had some amazing opportunities and I do not feel at all limited in life.” His active lifestyle makes him the perfect role model and ambassador for STEPtember. Check out Nathan’s story in the Peace Arch News.
Karen has cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia which affects her speech, coordination, balance and dexterity; but she doesn’t let that stop her from moving. In fact, she finds that maintaining an active lifestyle minimizes the effects of her CP as she gets older.
Supporting the cause
Doug’s daughter Olivia lives with spastic cerebral palsy, so naturally she is the motivation for Doug’s participation in STEPtember. “This challenge to raise awareness and money is a small step compared to what faces all those dealing with CP daily.”
Lauren is a personal trainer who believes being active is vital to achieving one’s full potential. “It’s a great chance to form healthy habits after a summer of perhaps too much fun. And it’s an opportunity to raise awareness for people with disabilities across Canada. Hopefully this Steptember motivates you to move a bit more and feel a bit more awesome.”
Join STEPtember
STEPtember started on September 1st but you can still register today and take the challenge for the remaining days.
Whether you take 10,000 steps, go for a bike ride, roll your wheelchair or swim, the goal is to get active while raising money for a good cause.
So get your team of four together today and join Nathan, Karen, Doug and Lauren by participating in STEPtember and make every step count. Get ready to roll!