Barry Amos and Miramichi Valley High School
Hometown: Miramichi, New Brunswick
Barry Amos, a 39 year old Basketball coach at
Miramichi Valley High School (MVHS) in New Brunswick, survived an
accident four years ago that left him a C-4 level quadriplegic, in
a wheelchair with no feeling below his chest. Barry began to adjust
to a new way of life - one that required his strength and
determination to overcome emotional and physical barriers. Fuelled
by his passion for sport and working with youth, he continued to
coach basketball but it was not without its challenges:
inaccessible entrances into the high school and
gymnasium.
In the winter of 2011, six grade 11 students from MVHS
(Medal-Bearers Laura Richard, Jenna Cassidy, Julianna Haché, Adam
Travis, Emma Boulay and Olivia Barry) were inspired by Barry and
together, they had a vision for a more accessible school and
gymnasium. With the help from two teachers, Ann O'neill Macdonnell
and Krista Cabel, the students created a video and led several
formal presentations to bring awareness of the school's physical
barriers to School District 16 and the City of Miramichi. The
students' leadership and determination resulted in a $20,000
project to install automated doors at the high school, improving
the school's accessibility at one of the most frequently used
public entrances in that facility. The accessible doors were
completed on September 28, 2011 with official ribbon cutting and
school assembly, where the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay team
had the opportunity thank the school and students for making a
positive difference in their community.
Barry inspired six students and those six students learned
that their leadership and determination could lead to a positive
impact in the lives of many in Miramichi and be true difference
makers.
Barry was selected by the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay to
run on Day 35 in Shediac, New Brunswick on September 27 while Ann,
Laura, Jenna, Julianna, Adam, Emma and Olivia ran their segments of
the Relay on Day 37 in Moncton, New Brunswick. Jenna also had the
honour of being the Relay's 1000th Medal-Bearer!
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