The Road to Success – Nathan DeWitt

Twenty six year-old Nathan DeWitt is no stranger to living a Life Without Limits. Nathan has spastic diplegia, a type of cerebral palsy which affects his legs through tightness and spasticity. Still, Nathan does not allow his condition to stop him from living his life to the fullest. A scholarship from the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC) supported the wheelchair-racing superstar to advance his academic journey while pursuing his athletic career and giving back to the community all the same time – quite an achievement!

“I decided to check out the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC for bursaries and grants and I found one that was suited to my needs. I applied and was accepted,” says Nathan. The Surrey resident was awarded $1,000 through the Tanabe Bursary in early October of 2010 and the cost of his books and tuition was reduced as a result.

 

 

“I’ve been able to use my own savings to focus on and go towards athletics and advance my athletic career. I was able to do both at the same time rather than advance my education only.”

– Nathan DeWitt, former Paralympian

Dreams for the future

Nathan, a former Paralympian, wants to have a sports career where he can develop programs and create alternative sport options and opportunities for both people with disabilities and able-bodied individuals. He also has a Business Management diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and gives back to the community by volunteering his time to help in adaptive programs at disability organizations and educate others about cerebral palsy.

Nathan believes that more awareness about cerebral palsy still needs to be created, and wants to challenge any perception of those with cerebral palsy being underestimated. He wants to show that those with cerebral palsy are really physically able. CPABC is proud to have been a part of Nathan’s road to success and achieving his personal and professional aspirations to live a Life Without Limits.

Nathan DeWitt is the keynote speaker at the CPABC’s 2017 Life Without Limits Gala.