SAM SULLIVAN, FOUNDER OF THE Disability Foundation, IS CANADA’S 2010 PARALYMPIC winter games AMBASSADOR – in recognition of his work TO see PEOPLE WITH disabilities achieve full citizenship

The Disability Foundation and its affiliated organizations were founded by Sam Sullivan after he became a quadriplegic as a result of a skiing accident at the age of 19. Years later as mayor of Vancouver, Sullivan received international attention after he waved the Olympic and Paralympic flags during the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

It showed the world just what people with disabilities are capable of, once barriers in the physical landscape have been overcome – and what better qualification to be the face of the Paralympics?

This message of hope is central to the societies formed by Sullivan. The Tetra Society recruits technically skilled volunteers who have made more than 5,000 custom-made assistive devices for people with disabilities in locations throughout North America. ConnecTra Society has linked 1,000 people with disabilities with employment, part-time work, volunteer positions or socialization opportunities. The  Disabled Sailing Association has catalyzed the formation of 20 sailing programs throughout North America and has 140 of its specially designed sip and puff 16-foot sailboats in use throughout the world. The  BC Mobility Opportunity Society's Wilderness Access Program has 50 of its TrailRiders in use in programs throughout North America enabling some of its members to climb to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and to the base camp of Mount Everest. Vancouver Adapted Music Society operates a music studio in the GF Strong Rehab Centre and has introduced hundreds of people with disabilities to the world of music. The Disabled Independent Gardeners Association operates two community gardens and holds regular workshops.

Since its origin in the late 1980s, the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation has raised more than $20 million and provided quality of life opportunities for more than 10,000 people with significant disabilities. The Foundation supports six non-profit organizations and several other initiatives that provide services throughout Canada and beyond.

In recognition of his service to people with disabilities, Sam was invested as a member of the Order of Canada in 2005 and has been the recipient of the Terry Fox Award and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Award amongst many other honours.