Scott Heron, Team Captain of SCI BC’s Vancouver Island South Team
Tell us about yourself and your role at SCI BC.
I was born and raised in Victoria and graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in social work in 1987 and joined Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) when it was still known as the BC Paraplegic Association (BCPA) in December 1988.
For over 30 years, I have counselled individuals and families of those who have experienced traumatic spinal cord injuries, as well as people with other physical disabilities throughout Victoria and South Vancouver Island. My investment in the well-being of those who reach out to me is apparent in each and every conversation and phone call.
I feel like my role is a bridge between the individual and the community. I can help explain things that health professionals may not have the time to describe in-depth. When I’m working with someone who is newly injured, my role is to come alongside and help them become as independent and self-sufficient as possible. It’s really a matter of being there to provide a scaffold of support as long as it’s required, and being there again if it’s needed down the line.
My broad shoulders betray a 20-year obsession with wheelchair sports. Since 1984, I have participated in volleyball, basketball, athletics (javelin, shot-put, and discus), weight lifting and racquetball.
I went on to take top spot in the National ‘B’ division in wheelchair racquetball in 1990. Due to a neck injury, I left racquetball in 1994 holding 7th place in the National ‘A’ rankings, only to return in 1997 to take 3rd place in the National Racquetball Championships. I’m now retired from competitive wheelchair sports but continues to enjoy hand-cycling and fishing with my children and grandchildren.
I have four children and 7 grandchildren and also served as a foster parent for over 12 years and fostered more than 40 children over that time.
What are you looking forward to in this year’s Charity Challenge?
Gathering with others to achieve a common purpose, to raise funds for SCI BC to carry on their services and activities in the South Vancouver Island Region.
Why should people donate to Team SCI BC?
SCI BC has been a valuable service to those with spinal cord injuries, and other disabilities through one to one contact and support, Peer Support Groups, and events to promote community inclusion and participation.
What are your personal fundraising goals this year?
$2000
Interested in becoming part of the Vancouver Island South Team for SCI BC? Connect with Scott at sheron@sci-bc.ca to sign up.
There’s many other ways to get involved in the Charity Challenge! You can still support us by sponsoring a team member today:
