Para PowerPlay

At the age of 5 I lost my leg and was severely injured, almost losing my life to a commercial fishing boat explosion. With dedication, discipline and hard work I was able to persevere and play hockey. Prosthetics and technology improvements helped support me in joining AAA hockey by the age of 10. By 13 I was playing Nova Scotia AAA Hockey. I played Junior hockey and SR A hockey. I played with team Canada at the Standing Amputee World Championships from 2003-2007. We won 2 World Championships, both in Prague, Czech Republic in 2004 and Riga, Latvia in 2006. I was honored to be named top forward and top scorer at the 2004 World Championships. Due to many serious injuries, I no longer play but have dreamt about one day having a chance to build a place where everyone could enjoy sports as I did with a disability and make sports cheaper and more available for all.

 I am a PhD in Health student at Dalhousie University, where I get to work with children with disabilities and their families, supporting their access to inclusive sport and play opportunities. When I was in my undergrad at Queen’s University I got involved with an organization called Extra Awesome which paired children with disabilities and their siblings with students to go out into the community and engage in inclusive physical activity and sport. After a year volunteering with them, I became a board member and in my final year the president. This sparked a passion for me to continue supporting my community through research and volunteerism, working with amazing organizations through the years such as Blind Sport Canada, Easter Seals Nova Scotia, and now Para PowerPlay 

Melissa is a serving member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, bringing expertise in Logistics, Leadership, and Culture Evolution to her role with Para PowerPlay. Drawing on her personal experience as a woman in the Canadian Armed Forces, she is deeply committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and opportunity both in sport and in life. A former athlete in soccer, volleyball, and competitive swimming, Melissa remains dedicated to promoting physical fitness and creating welcoming spaces for athletes of all abilities. Through her involvement with Para PowerPlay, she aims to help build a community rooted in accessibility, support, and pride within the Annapolis Valley.

Bringing a strong background in working with vulnerable families and youth at risk. Lois is passionate about creating equitable opportunities in sport and recreation. At age 16, Lois was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and temporarily lost the use of her legs. This experience shaped her understanding of the importance of accessibility, resilience, and inclusive spaces. As a mother of two active, sports-loving children, she has seen firsthand how sport can build confidence, community and joy. Through her role at Para PowerPlay, Lois contributes her organizational skills, advocacy, and lived experience to help foster environments where accessibility, respect and inclusion are at the forefront.

Andrew has long been committed to community impact, and witnessing barriers to sports like hockey for individuals with disabilities inspired his involvement. Para PowerPlay’s mission to boost accessibility in Nova Scotia aligns with his values of inclusivity, empathy, and support during tough times. Serving on the board allows Andrew to extend his leadership to create equitable opportunities for all to enjoy the game.

Outside work, Andrew is passionate about community service, hockey, and creative writing. He is the published author of the novel Reveria, which reflects his love for storytelling and connecting with others through narrative. Andrew provides on-ice training and coaching for Para PowerPlay, helping athletes with disabilities gain skills and confidence.

I am a soon to be graduate of the Kinesiology program at Acadia University. I’ve always had a strong interest in sports and rehabilitation, and a passion for helping others! I have volunteered in a few programs through my school, such as Cardiac Maintenance, Kinderskills and Affirmative Movement Initiative, helping individuals of all ages gain exercise and movement in their lives to stay healthy both physically and mentally! Through a class I am taking at school, I was granted the opportunity to listen to many different, wonderful speakers share their stories on joining para sports, and it found a place in my heart. When I heard about Para PowerPlay and the opportunity to make a difference, I jumped on it and could not be happier! I am excited to be part of this amazing organization and to see what I can contribute! 

Ben comes to us with a high performance background and a passion for sport. Ben has

represented Canada at the international stage five times in Para Canoe and Para Athletics. Ben has a total of 14 national gold medals between the two sports, 6 national leading times in Para Canoe, 15 Nova Scotia wheelchair racing records, 4 Canada Games appearances with 3 silver medals in 2017. On top of that Ben won the Support 4 Sport Nova Scotia Sr Male Athlete of the Year in 2023. Considering all the accolades Ben has achieved he wouldn’t be able to do without great coaching, family, and community support. He firmly believes in community and

everyone has the right to train, compete, and play. Sport is sport; it's all about learning how to adapt and make everything work. Whether it is recreational or high performance Ben firmly believes we all have the ability to be physically active in some shape or form. Ben’s coach for Para Canoe Jeff Houser has said Sport has Value. Ben firmly believes in this as it has opened

so many doors and opportunities since he has been paralyzed. Ben wants to give back to the community and help show that sport is for everyone.