Nova Scotians Ready to Show Skills to the World

Five Nova Scotians will be part of the Canadian team at an international skills competition for persons with disabilities in Seoul, South Korea.

The International Abilympics, which run Sunday, Sept. 25 to Friday, Sept. 30, features competitors from around the world in a variety of competitions to showcase the abilities of persons with disabilities. Nova Scotian competitors will participate in areas including photography, poster design, cake decorating and painting.

"There is no doubt that these remarkable Nova Scotians will do us all proud and I wish them the best of luck," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More. "They have already demonstrated their incredible skills in competitions here at home, now they have the chance to show these skills off to the world."

The Abilympics Canada Association and Skills Canada Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit organization that promotes skilled trade and technology careers to youth, organized the trip, with financial support from the province.

For Stephanie Pettipas, 20, of Lakeside, HRM, what started as a course in cake decorating at Nova Scotia Community College has taken her to the other side of the globe.

"I think it's a great honour to have the chance to participate in this competition and I'm proud to be a part of something that shows that everyone has a talent, even people with disabilities," said Ms. Pettipas.

The four other Nova Scotian team members are: Liam Hattie, 29, Timberlea, competing in studio photography; P.E.I. native Alexis Bulman, 20, who lives in Halifax, competing in painting; Kyla Johnson, 19, of Millbrook, in outdoor photography; Samantha MacKenzie, 22, Sydney River in poster design.

"I feel that I'm showing my country that no matter what disabilities a person has, we are all able to do anything we want," said Ms. Johnson. "I have a hearing disability and I'm still able to accomplish anything."

MS. MacKenzie is looking forward to taking advantage of the doors her skills have opened.

"It's a great opportunity and learning experience and I'm excited to give it my best and enjoy every moment of it," she said.

The Nova Scotians will be joined by three participants from Newfoundland and their coaches.