Accessibility

[Greg Moore]

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[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge Awards ‘Community Inclusion Recognition’ to Jordan Thorne on the ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’
December 3, 2012 | City of Cambridge | Link


(Mayor Doug Craig and Sheri Roberts, Vice Chair of the Cambridge Accessibility Committee present Jordan Thorne with the award.)

Cambridge City Council tonight presented the ‘Community Inclusion Recognition Award’ to two-time brain cancer survivor Jordan Thorne, a 16-year-old Cambridge resident who is credited with making a positive impact on the lives of people living disabilities in our community.

“Today marks the ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’, a fitting occasion to pay tribute to a young person who is inspiring the community and bettering the lives for people with disabilities,” says Mayor Doug Craig. The City of Cambridge first introduced the award through the Inclusion Services group in 2010. This year, 21 nominations were submitted for consideration.

It’s been an incredible year of recognition for Thorne. This year he also received the ‘Ace Bailey Award for Courage’, presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) Alumni.Named in honour of former NHL’er Garnet ‘Ace’ Bailey who died in the 9-11 tragedy, the award recognizes people who have shown exceptional courage and determination in life.

Thorne was also chosen to represent the Waterloo Region on a local news broadcast to teach children with disabilities across Canada and the United States how to independently ride a bicycle. Entitled ‘Lose the Training Wheels’, the program helps thousands of kids across North America understand the unique opportunities in recreation for everyone.

Jordan Thorne has battled cancer since he was nine years of age. Over the last five years, he has worked to educate and motivate the Cambridge community, and raised money for various organizations: Relay for Life, Cops for Cancer, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Terry Fox Foundation. Thorne touches others by sharing his story during school assemblies and volunteering at the YMCA Youth Centre. He continues to inspire others by sharing the message that anything is possible in life. “Jordan has been working on his public speaking talents, and endeavors to share his story, inspire and give hope to all those people touched by cancer,” added Mayor Craig. “We are pleased to acknowledge him on this internationally recognized day.”

The ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’ began in 1992 through the United Nations. Governments and organizations around the world mark this day by recognizing and celebrating the people with disabilities who live in our communities.

“It provides us with a formal way to build awareness on issues facing people with disabilities and to focus on creating accessible environments where ALL people, regardless of ability can participate fully in the life of the community,” says Andrea Riley, Corporate Accessibility Planning/Inclusion Services Coordinator.

Earlier today, the staff from Cambridge Inclusion services celebrated ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’ with the community by offering free coffee, tea and cupcakes at City Hall. The event provided an opportunity to share information about municipal supports and Inclusion Services programs.