The Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) is pleased to announce that Ken Thomas and Marilyn Van Wallegham are the most recent inductees into the CCPSA Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held on June 7th, 2008, in Calgary, Alberta.
Ken Thomas - Athlete
Ken Thomas of Edmonton, Alberta is probably one of the most dedicated, respected and honoured athletes of the CCPSA. Ken competed in athletics, pushing his wheelchair backward with his feet. His first international competition was in 1981 in New York, where he won a silver medal. He competed internationally for the next thirteen years and won medals every time with the exception of the Barcelona Paralympic Games in 1992, where his events were scratched. His best moment on the track came during the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games where he won two bronze medals.Ken retired from international competition in 1994 after the first IPC Athletics World Championships in Berlin, but continued to compete in 10km road races in Edmonton. In 2005, he participated in the 10km race at the World Master Games in his hometown. His story and struggle to participate in those Games are now detailed in a documentary called “Backwheeler”.
Ken has been part of various boards advocating for people with a disability for many years. Ken was also the first president of the Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association and served in this role for 8 years (1979-1986). In 2002, Ken received the Queen Golden Jubilee Medal for his lifelong contribution to the community.
Marilyn Van Wallegham - Builder
Marilyn Van Wallegham is one of the founders of the CCPSA. Marilyn’s involvement with athletes with cerebral palsy began in the early 1980’s. A member of the Manitoba Cerebral Palsy Association approached her with information she had picked up at a conference in the United States about a new sport organization. Marilyn had already some knowledge of sporting activities for persons with cerebral palsy and agreed to get involved.
Marilyn was the first president of the Manitoba Cerebral Palsy Sport Association and was also president of CCPSA. During her time, the association received charitable status and was recognized as a sport organization by Sport Canada, two very important achievements. As board member, team staff and a teacher, Marilyn has made a significant contribution not only to CCPSA but to cerebral palsy sport, locally, nationally and internationally.
The Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) is an athlete focused national organization administering and governing sport opportunities targeted to athletes with CP and related disabilities. CCPSA and its provincial partners cooperate as a proactive force to facilitate the development of equitable and fair sporting opportunities for our athletes.
