The Oka National Park Race for Special Needs: Running for Community Resources and Support!

By Randy Pinsky

Gusting winds, rainy forecasts, and an early start failed to dampen the excitement and determination exhibited at the 9th annual Oka National Park Run for the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH)! The dreary November morning was counterbalanced by the contagious energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers in fluorescent vests and the hundreds of pumped-up runners.

Energy was high as walkers and runners took part in the annual event.

As described on their website, WIAIH “strives to enhance the lives of people with an intellectual disability or autism, provide support to their families, and maintain and develop innovative services and sensitize the community”. Celebrating almost 60 years of involvement, the organization provides early intervention for those with developmental delays, in addition to coordinating parent support groups, social activities, and respite care.

Through their work, WIAIH “promotes independence and socialization for [their clients] through a variety of dynamic and fun activities that can be enjoyed with their peers”.

The Run’s coordination team deserves special mention for their innovativeness, dispatching volunteers to their designated stations using moving vans, out of which volunteers leaped like members of a SWAT team. Swiftly pitching tents, keeping runners hydrated with water and electrolytes, they enthusiastically cheered runners on, reinforcing the importance of their involvement. Cheering, “you’re all heroes” and “do it for the families”, runners pushed beyond their limits, motivated by the transformative work WIAIH does.

Volunteers on the ready to leap out at their designated stations.

Over 2,500 runners and walkers were in attendance, taking part in the 5K, 10K, 21K and the extremely popular 1K Kids Fun Run. Montrealer Louis-Philippe Garnier led the half-marathon with an impressive timing of 1h17min53sec with Marie-Claude Le Sauteur not far behind at 1h28min20sec. In the Kids Fun Run, Collin Ocean easily overtook the others, covering the distance in 4min5sec, with Nellie Pilon Pointe-Calumet leading the girls at a respectable 4min29sec.

All decked in blue WIAIH tuques and fluorescent security vests, the volunteers helped make this event possible.

The focus and commitment of the participants - especially the young runners - was impressive, as they battled drizzling weather with positivity and drive. It was heartwarming for all to see the community get together for a cause which has impacted so many, both personally and indirectly. Sprinting by the usually packed sandy beach and seeing the chilly waves, spurred runners onwards!

One of the most courageous participants was Sonia Guarascio, single mom of a little boy with Down Syndrome, athlete extraordinaire- and breast cancer survivor. Not only did she persevere through her challenges, she inspired and led the pack in her fundraising efforts.

At press time, over $4,100 had been raised and, as noted by Tracy Wrench, Recreation Coordinator, they’re still counting!

Don’t miss the 10th edition of the WIAIH Oka National Park Run- start training today!

Spectrum Productions 6th annual film screening and gala

An evening of film from the Autism Spectrum

On Sunday, November 1, over 60 brilliant young people with autism are prepared to wow you with their filmmaking genius at Spectrum Production's 6th Annual Film Screening and Gala, to be held at the beautiful Rialto Theatre from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The evening will include screening from a selection of 80 films created at Spectrum Production's 2015 summer camp.

I had the pleasure of attending Spectrum Productions' 

(then called Camera Roll Productions) screening two years 

ago, and to this day, I can vividly remember many of the movies. One in particular that stayed with me was Robin's exploration with uncooked eggs. It was masterfully edited, and sidesplittingly funny! I'm sure everyone in attendance will fondly recall the antics that were so clearly captured on film.

Spectrum Productions is a Montreal-based creative non-profit organization devoted to supporting youth and young adults on the autism spectrum in film and media production. We had the honour of working with them when they created Inspirations' promotional video. Take a look at their work right here. 

When working with the creative team of Dan TenVeen and Liam O'Rourke, we were impressed with their talent and the ease in which they communicated with people, making our 'actors' of all abilities feel comfortable and allowing them to shine. They work the same way with their filmmakers, providing them with every opportunity to succeed and explore their creativity while honing a variety of skills.

Join over 600 guests, including the filmmakers, their friends and family, members of the mile end creative community, and many distinguished guests including Senator Jim Munson, who is an advocate across Canada for individuals with an ASD, to celebrate their talents. 

As Munson said, "The way in which Spectrum Productions is changing the conversation about autism and working with youth to provide them with empowering opportunities, is absolutely unique and deeply touching."

In addition to the film screenings, there will also be a silent auction.

Join Spectrum Productions for a terrific evening:

6th Annual Gala and Fundraising Launch

Sunday, November 1, 2015

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Rialto Theatre, 5723 Parc Avenue, Montreal, QC, H2V 4G9 http://www.theatrerialto.com.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the Rialto box office or online at eventbrite.com.

Contact Spectrum Productions: info@productionsspectrum.com

www.productionsspectrum.com

If you are over 19 years old, live in the Greater Montreal area,

and have a permanent physical disability, you may be able to 

apply for an e-tablet! Visit www.marchofdimes.ca/AMTI 

for more details!