Media release
November 1st, 2017 – Tonight, the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC (CPABC) will be re-naming their Equipment Assistive Devices Fund the “Jason and Rand Fund” in recognition of two of their members’ supersized athletic endeavours and hearts.
Friends Jason Cole and Rand Surbey, who lives with cerebral palsy, met in 2011 through an assisted hiking program. Over the years, they formed a friendship based on their common goals of inclusivity and adventure. The friendship evolved into a partnership focused on helping others realize these same goals through education and participation in numerous high-profile sporting events and lectures. Their shared adventures include six half-marathons as a wheelchair tandem team and the 2014 Tough Mudder in BC.
In 2017, the dynamic duo smashed the Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon pushing a wheelchair by a full 20 minutes, and captured international media attention. They were denied the official record due to a policy that states they must use an un-modified, commercially available chair – a standard that is out of reach for many individuals with disabilities. Jason and Rand’s home-made racing wheelchair reflects their inclusive, do-it-yourself attitude and belief that no one should be left behind.
Either way, the pair have Guinness-World-Record sized hearts. Jason and Rand’s record-smashing race helped raise over $7,000 for CPABC programs and services.
CPABC Executive Director Feri Dehdar says, “Jason and Rand have gone the distance in so many different ways for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC. Their fearlessness and philanthropic spirit embodies what the Equipment Assistive Device fund was, and is, meant to be. We can’t think of any more deserving individuals to name the fund after.” The fund was developed to help people living with cerebral palsy enjoy Life Without Limits, offering financial assistance for the purchase of assistive devices.
Jason says, “What we have done and what we will continue to do has always been for the sole purpose of bringing attention to the needs of those who want to do more than society is set up for them to do. People who usually exist below eye-level can have the same adventurous thirst as anyone else and the equipment fund grants them access to adventures otherwise unavailable to them.”
The renaming will take place tonight as part of Fashion Without Limits: Diversity in Motion at Old Orchard Hall in Port Moody.
Media Inquiries:
Jason and Rand are available for interviews.
Feri Dehdar, Executive Director
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
(604) 408-9484, 1-800-663-0004
www.bccerebralpalsy.com
feri@bccerebralpalsy.com
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC was started in 1954 by a group of parents who wanted to assist their children living with CP to reach their maximum poteial within society. We provide support, education, and information throughout BC. Our Mission is: To raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy in the community; To assist those living with Cerebral Palsy to reach their maximum potential; and To work to see those living with Cerebral Palsy recognize their place as equals in a diverse society. Recognized by the 2013 City of Vancouver Award for Accessibility and Inclusivity, the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC has supported people living with CP and other disabilities for over 60 years.
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