WATCH: Jesse Ward, from Calgary, never let his physical challenge slow him down and now he’s on track to compete with the best in the world in Brazil next summer. Reid Fiest has this week’s Everyday Hero.
CALGARY – There are few things Jesse Ward would rather be doing than play volleyball.
“Probably hitting is the funnest part, because that has the most glory, but I just love the sport in general,” Ward tells Global News.
But early in the 22-year-old’s life, playing the sport the traditional way wasn’t even a possibility.
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He was born without outer shin bones, and so months into his young life, he became a double amputee.
Two years ago, while attending classes at the Mount Royal University, he tried out for the men’s national sitting volleyball team.
“It’s definitely an adjustment to have to move with your arms and then get in position and play the ball with your arms as it’s a pretty fast game overall,” said Ward.
But he got the hang of it and he’s now a starter for his team.
Coach Ray Sewell said Ward is a leader, both on and off the court.
“He works extremely hard and it’s great we’ve been able to connect and give him this opportunity to be an athlete who is out there representing his country,” said Sewell.
Later this summer, the team will play the best in the world at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto.
“That’s the qualifier for us to go to Brazil for the Paralympics and hopefully we’ll do very well,” says Ward.
But that’s a dream that might never have happened. Ward was his mother’s first child and soon into her pregnancy doctors noticed complications.
“She found out on one of her first ultrasounds actually, that I was slightly malformed,” Ward explained. “So the doctors advised her that I would likely be a vegetable, have no brain function whatsoever, never be able to walk.”
Doctors told Ward’s mother, Dana Duggan, she should consider terminating her pregnancy.
She was optimistic and, when he was born, he was a happy and mostly healthy little boy.
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Now, over two decades later, Duggan couldn’t be prouder of her son.
“I can’t imagine life without Jesse in this world,” she said. “So many people run to him for even for advice, care and concern.”
Already juggling training with his studies, he’s also working with Volleyball Canada to help organize the largest national tournament in Canadian history.
Nine thousands athletes of all ages will play at venues across Calgary from May 14 to 19.
While Ward’s team won’t be competing, he will be a mentor to the athletes participating in the tournament.
“I think what I see from there is a disability is not really a limiting factor, it’s actually opening doors and opening opportunities,” said Volleyball Canada’s Kerry MacDonald.
Ward said he’s just living his life.
“I’ve never known any different. Never stubbed my toe, never had cold feet,” he said. “So, it’s been easy for me to continue through life and this is normal.”
WHAT MAKES AN EVERYDAY HERO?
There are many people trying to make a difference who rarely receive the media attention they deserve. Everyday Hero is our attempt to provide better balance in our newscast. We profile Canadians who don’t go looking for attention, but deserve it. People who through their ideas, efforts and dedication are making a difference in the lives of others.
If you know of an Everyday Hero whose story we should tell, share the information with us by emailing viewers@globalnational.com
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