By Equine Canada

Canadian Paralympian Lauren Barwick of Langley, BC was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame during the 22nd annual Hall of Fame Induction, held October 30, 2015 at the Fairmount Royal York Hotel in Toronto, ON.

One of the top-ranked Para-Dressage riders in the world, Barwick has represented Canada at the international level for over 12 years. She is a three-time Paralympian who has won more medals at major games than any other Canadian rider. Her major games accomplishments include bringing individual gold and silver medals home from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, and winning Canada's only medals, a silver and bronze, at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. 

Photo (above): Paralympian Lauren Barwick of Langley, BC was inducted into the Athlete category of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame on October 30, 2015 in Toronto, ON. Photo: Equine Canada

“This induction is a fabulous affirmation of all the effort and work that I’ve put into being the best me I can be as a person with a disability, and being a good representation of a Canadian citizen,” commented Barwick, when asked what this induction means to her. “There are no guarantees in life, so for me, I took having a disability as a challenge, not just to overcome, but a challenge to rise to the occasion.”

In addition to Barwick, who was inducted into the Athlete category, two other individuals were honoured during this year’s event. Celebrated personal injury lawyer and long-time accredited Paralympics photographer, Bernard Gluckstein, was inducted into the Builder category, while beloved political satirist for CBC, Rick Mercer, was inducted into the Achiever category in recognition of his dedicated and tireless promotion of Paralympic athletes.

The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame was created to permanently recognize outstanding Canadians who make extraordinary contributions to enriching the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. It is located at Metro Hall in Toronto, ON, and is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information on the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, Click Here.

Main Photo: Along with Barwick, the 2015 inductees included Rick Mercer (Achiever category) and Bernard Gluckstein (Builder category). (L to R) Rick Mercer, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, His Excellency the Right Honourable David L. Johnston Governor General of Canada, Lauren Barwick, Bernard Gluckstein. Photo: Equine Canada