CLBC recognized Vancouver’s Ann Carr and her sister, Carol May, by presenting them with a provincial Widening Our World (WOW) Award for creating a basketball program for youth with developmental disabilities – the Developmentally Challenged Youth Basketball Association. CLBC presents WOW Awards each year to recognize people who are building inclusion for adults with developmental disabilities in BC.
Ann and Carol were nominated by a CLBC Community Council member who has seen first hand the passion and commitment that they have towards ensuring that individuals who have developmental disabilities are given the opportunity to lead a full life and are fully included in and contributing to their community. In the fourteen years since the program started, Ann and Carol have put countless hours into enriching the lives of many young men who would not have otherwise had an opportunity to participate in an organized sport. Ann and Carol are receiving their award in front of their basketball team, family and friends.
Sisters Ann Carr and Carol May were presented with a CLBC WOW Award.
Over the past month, CLBC has presented three WOW Awards to community inclusion leaders across the province:
- Peter and Stephanie Chung of Burnaby were recognized for their exceptional contribution to creating job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities
- Victoria self advocate Sheenagh Morrison was recognized with a WOW Award for work to promote awareness of people with diverse abilities
- Prince George employer Jay Maybin was recognized for providing inclusive job opportunities for local people with diverse abilities
As part of Community Living Month celebrations in October 2013, CLBC invited self advocates, families, community members, service providers and Community Council volunteers to nominate outstanding British Columbians. Nominations were reviewed regionally and then by a provincial committee of self advocates and CLBC staff to determine four top candidates.
Since 2009, CLBC has presented WOW Awards to recognize British Columbians who are creating opportunities and building awareness for a vision of full citizenship for people with developmental disabilities, one where they lead good lives, have rich relationships, choices in how they live and employment opportunities.
Quotes:
Doug Woollard, CLBC interim CEO
“I want to congratulate Ann and Carol and all of the WOW nominees for 2013. It is clear from the nominations received that there is a wealth of innovative ideas, activities and initiatives being spearheaded by community champions across the province. These efforts not only raise awareness about inclusion, but help everyone see that through our individual acceptance of diversity, our communities become richer and more vibrant places to live.”
Lizabeth Cochran, nominator – Parent and CLBC Community Council Member
“Carol and Ann saw a lack in the community when it came to young people in sports. They searched out mentor volunteers, found a gym where cost was not prohibitive and have been volunteering their time for over 14 years to make sure that the young men they work with have a place to play basketball, make friends and have fun. Their efforts and commitment have made such a positive impact on the lives of not only the young men in their program but also on the community as they have been able to create greater awareness, acceptance, and understanding of persons with developmental disabilities along the way.”
Profile: Ann Carr and Carol May (Vancouver), Community Leaders
- Ann and Carol Carr are sisters who run a basketball program for youth with developmental disabilities – the Developmentally Challenged Youth Basketball Association (DCYBA).
- They have put in hundreds of hours in setting up and running the program over 14 years, and have enriched and educated many young men who would otherwise not be able to participate in this sport.
- Carol and Ann have created a program that initially had young men with disabilities playing basketball with peers (without disabilities).
- Working with these volunteers the players have over the years gained such confidence and skills that they can now play together.
- They have also started chapters in Surrey and in Richmond, and take part in tournaments such as the one held annually at the University of British Columbia.
