AUREN RUVINSKY
writer@pqbnews.com
The City of Parksville and RBC invite everyone to a regional celebration of paralympic hometown champions and Team Canada’s success on what is officially Michelle Stilwell Day in Parksville.
This Sunday there will be a barbecue, bagpiper, RCMP in red serge, music by the Kwalicum Secondary School band and athletes from the 2012 Paralympic Games in London on hand for photos, autographs and informal meetings. The celebration runs from 4-7 p.m. at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre, 132 Jensen Avenue East.
Local schools have been invited along with all north-Island Paralympians. Parksville communications officer Debbie Tardiff said there’s a good chance many Team Canada members will be on hand for the official Pacific Sport and RBC event, but individuals could not be confirmed by press time.
Parksville will honour it’s two Olympic residents. Unfortunately Trevor Hirschfield, star of the silver medal wheelchair rugby team, will be in Italy, but wheelchair racer Michelle Stilwell will be in attendance. Stilwell, already a multiple medal winner at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympics and multiple world record holder, won a another gold medal in the 200m and a silver in the 100m race in London. The event (it starts at is also meant recognize the family members, coaches and community groups that made it possible for her to reach the highest levels of sport.
“It’s been incredible, there’s so many Canadians supporting the Paralympic team,” she said.