SMD youth ambassador says ‘Yes I can!’

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/02/2019 (2392 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Paul Hamm is an energetic 11-year-old who’s full of determination. He likes to dance, make up rap songs, tell bad jokes and make people laugh. He is also very passionate about sports and was awarded a Yes I Can! award for athletics in 2016-17.

“It felt great. A lot of people were congratulating me. I thought to myself, this has got to be a big deal,” Paul says with a big grin stretched across his face.

As a child born with cerebral palsy, Paul strives to not let anything slow him down. With support from the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, he receives respite, therapy and service co-ordination and also participates in the sledge hockey program where, last year, he won the Mark Scheifele Award for break out player of the year. He attributes his involvement with sledge hockey as a key ingredient in his motivation to be the best that he can be.

Paul is also active playing baseball, swimming and running cross country.

“I forget about my cerebral palsy,” he says of his involvement in sports. “I like to see how far I can go. I just go out there and have fun. I push other kids. I like to say, ‘hey you are doing good. Let’s see more of what you got.’”

The Yes I Can! Awards were created to recognize the achievements of students who have special needs and of the adults who support them. The awards are presented as part of the annual conference of the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children.

In addition to his awards, Paul has been named the 2019-20 youth ambassador for SMD.
As such, he will be the face and voice of SMD while attending various functions, events and campaigns. He will gain valuable experience speaking in front of small and large groups and the media while having fun meeting new people.

We look forward to Paul sharing his story and being a champion for people of all abilities!
To help support Paul and other children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families, please visit www.smd.mb.ca and make a difference today!