A Grade 4 student from Edgewater is just one of the many British Columbians who will benefit from the Province of B.C.’s $5 million investment in the BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network.

The BC-SCI Network is made up of five organizations that work together to provide comprehensive services to people with physical disabilities across the province.

Kingston Peters was born with spina bifida. Last year, he got involved in the Let’s Play program, which helps children with mobility-related disabilities become physically active. (Let’s Play is run through BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, which is part of the BC-SCI Network).

Let’s Play Director Marni Abbott-Peter visited his school and brought several Let’s Play sport wheelchairs so that Kingston could participate in P.E. class along with his classmates.

“It’s so important for kids with physical disabilities to be able to play with their peers,” said Abbott-Peter, who is also a Paralympic gold medalist. “Not only does the child with the disability get an active start, but the able-bodied classmates also learn about inclusion and empathy.”

Today, Kingston is a happy, healthy child who enjoys racing in his Let’s Play wheelchair, alpine skiing, volleyball, dodgeball, and playing with his friends. As he grows up, his supportive community will be there for him, as will the BC-SCI Community Services Network.

“Kingston is an outgoing kid who’s full of stories and jokes,” said Marni Abbott-Peter. “He has so much potential. This funding will help the entire BC-SCI Community Services Network to be there for kids like Kingston to help them reach their potential.”

Above photo: Kingston meets Paralympian Marni Abbott-Peter. Photo submitted

BC Wheelchair Basketball Society

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