Paralympic Athlete Andrea Holmes and the Vancouver 2010 Mascots Visit Douglas College

Last night, Paralympic Athlete Andrea Holmes brought her Vancouver 2010 mascot friends along to a special event at Douglas College, put on by the Douglas College Business Association. The event attracted both business students and faculty members interested in learning about the value of teamwork, goal settings and overcoming obstacles. I was there because someone offered me food to take pictures and you guys know how much I love food.

Andrea represented Canada in athletics from 2002 to 2007, and currently competes as a member of BC’s Disabled Ski Team. She won a bronze medal in long jump at the Para-Pan American Games in 2007 and is a four-time long jump and three-time 100m Canadian champion. She also holds the Canadian record in high jump is also a paralympic hopeful for the Vancouver 2010 games.

Joining Andrea were the Vancouver 2010 mascots. Quatchi, Miga and the official Paralympic Mascot, Sumi all made it down to support Andrea and to spread some Olympic spirit around the Douglas New West Campus. Douglas’ own “Roary the Lion” was also on hand to represent some school spirit.

I caught Quatchi snooping around the buffet table and confronted him. When I challenged him to an eat off for all the glory he ran away.

Andrea spoke strongly about her experiences as an athlete, student, life in general and her work with RBC and Lululemon. She also shared some great stories with us about growing up with a disability and how that made her the person she is today. Saying that she was inspiring is a bit of a cliche, so I’ll just say that no matter how good my excuses are, they all suck compared to the obstacles that she has come across.

Thanks for the kick in the ass Andrea. More pictures after the jump.