View From the Legislature

When we think about heroes a lot of different images come to mind. Superheroes are often depicted in comics or movies and have a variety of skills and abilities. Everyday heroes are often found in emergency and first responders who rush to the scenes of accidents and other dangerous situations to help people in need.

This past weekend, Canadians had the opportunity to remember and to celebrate young heroes who have left their mark on our nation in years past, or who are just beginning to today.

The August long-weekend Monday in Manitoba has been recognized as Terry Fox Day for several years. Often ranked among the greatest Canadians of all time, Fox lived to be only 22 years old but has left a legacy that goes beyond what he likely could have imagined when he began his Marathon of Hope in 1980. The Marathon was to raise money for Cancer research, a disease that had already taken one of his legs and which required him to do his cross-country run, which began on the east coast, using an artificial leg.

While Terry Fox’s run began with little attention it quickly captured the hearts of Canadians raising over $1.5 million before he was forced to end it near Thunder Bay, Ontario when his cancer returned. When Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, it was hoped that Canadians would continue to give in his name to cancer research. The cause has only grown and never stopped and today more than $850 million has been raised in Terry Fox’s name.

Terry Fox is a young Canadian hero that will forever be remembered for his dream and his courage.

Another young Canadian hero was celebrated this weekend. As the world watched the Summer Olympic Games in Paris unfold, for Canadians it quickly became apparent that it would be a summer games dominated by Summer McIntosh. The 17-year-old swimmer was, remarkably, already participating in her second summer Olympics but the expectations were high that this Olympics would bring podium success. And did it ever. Summer McIntosh won four Olympic medals and became the first Canadian ever to win three gold medals at a single games.

Demonstrating determination and poise for Canadians she became the face of these Olympic games and a hero to many young people who have a new role model as they dream about their own Olympic glory.

Closer to home, Steinbach has always had its own heroes to look up to. Former Olympian Michelle Sawatzky continues to inspire and encourage young athletes right here in Steinbach. And this Olympics, local residents and all Manitobans were able to cheer on Eric Loeppky who was playing for Canada’s men’s volleyball team at the summer games. Cheered on by family and friends in Paris, and watched by many more back at home, Eric provided another local role model for those who aspire to take their athletic talents to the biggest stage.

Canadians are often known as modest people. But we have reason to be proud of those who have achieved great things. This past weekend, there was plenty of opportunity to remember heroes from our past as well as those who are becoming a new source of inspiration for Manitobans and Canadians.