Once in a while, you meet someone who stops you in your tracks. It takes you by surprise and happens at the most unexpected of times.
Recently, Canada Quest for Kids took me from Squamish, B.C. to St. John’s, Newfoundland. During the trip, I met thousands of students who were doing their part to improving the lives of children around the world through Right To Play. One of my stops was at Dublin Heights Elementary and Middle school in Toronto. There, I was asked if I would participate in the Right To Play National Inspirational Speaker Series.
Grade 1-8 students from Dublin Heights were assembled in the gym and Nancy, the representative from Right To Play, gave them an overview of the charity and the work they do. I then told the students about my bike trip across Africa, running 250 marathons in one year and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours. I went on to explain my 10th quest, visiting 10 universities and attempt 10 Guinness World Records in 26 days in order to raise $400,000.
At the end of the talk, I presented a copy of my book, Marathon Quest, to the school’s principal. As I was going back to my seat, I was stopped by a student in a wheelchair who asked, “Can I have a book?” I looked down and saw a small boy with the biggest smile ever. I dug out a book, signed it and gave it to him.
We started chatting and he said his name was Daniel and he was in Grade 8. I asked him about the casts he had on both legs and he told me that he had injured one swimming and the other playing basketball. Daniel’s mother explained that he has fragile bone syndrome.
We headed outside for the ball hockey world record attempt. All afternoon, as students went on and came off the playing area, Daniel would wave his short, plastic hockey stick and shout encouragement. Later in the afternoon, the clouds came over and the heavens opened, but Daniel didn’t move. He kept right on cheering the players. At the end of the game, we went into the school and there was Daniel, laughing away. His mother was drying his hair, as it had gone all spiky in the rain.
Sometimes you meet people with a life force that burns like a bright light. You could see that Daniel has that effect, brightening the lives of every person he meets with his infectious smile and positive attitude. He is a very, very special boy and he gave me the strength to finish my 10th and final quest.
If you wish to donate to Right To Play please go to canadaquestforkids.com.
