Ian Wright’s determination is paying off.
The 25-year-old Kelowna athlete has worked his way onto Powerchair Football’s national team which is set to compete in Florida at the World Cup next week.
His needs as a wheelchair bound athlete are expensive and his family hopes the community will help him reach his goal.
“There’s no funding available from the government,” Wright said. “We need to pay most of the expenses ourselves except for donations from individuals and companies.”
Between flights, accommodation and renting medical equipment in Florida, the Wright family expects their trip to the World Cup will cost them $15,000.
Each member of the team has similar expenses.
Firefighters from Fort McMurray have been raising funds for the powerchair football team for years.
“They’ve helped out over the last 6 years and raised money even when one of them lost their own home,” Ian’s dad Mal Wright said.
Wright’s team will be playing others from Europe, South American, the U.S., Australia and Japan.
“We’re very proud,” Ian’s mom Johanna Wright said. “It is the highlight of his life, so far.”
A statement on the Team Canada website sums up the great achievement for their athletes:
“It takes great strength for them to take on the day, to deal with their health issues, to overcome their daily challenges and to face extreme financial costs. Despite all the difficulties these athletes face, they are determined to be their best for their country and represent Canada at the World Cup.”
You can find their fundraising page here.