Image of Mayor Chris Spearman at Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens

By Connor Gunn

Lethbridge Sport Council, Nikka Yuko celebrating Payden Vair and Paralympic athletes

Aug 29, 2021 | 6:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Payden Vair, from Cardston, is representing Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden along with the Lethbridge Sport Council is celebrating her success along with other local paralympic athletes.

Vair has been a member of the Seated Volleyball team since 2019. She made her debut at the 2019 Parapan Am Games in Lima where the team won a bronze medal just one year after a life-changing lawnmower accident.

Previous story: Former Kodiak looking to inspire others at 2020 Paralympic Games

“The pathway of opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete on a national and world stage is increasing,” the release reads.

Susan Eymann with the Lethbridge Sport Council says a disability can’t stop competition.

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“Today is about cheering on Payden Vair as she represents Team Canada and southwestern Alberta in Tokyo. We recognize and celebrate her strength in character and the positive impact that has had on her life.”

“15% of the world [has] a disability. As a Sport Council, we want to help reduce barriers and increase access to sport and active living opportunities in our region.”

In honour of the paralympic athletes from Canada, Lethbridge City Hall was lit up purple Friday to recognize the global campaign of #Wethe15.

The #WeThe15 movement aims to end discrimination against people with disabilities and act as a global movement publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion, and accessibility.

As a former Kodiaks soccer player, Payden has felt the support of the Kodiak community.

“We strive to create an environment where all of our Kodiaks are like family, and we are always there to support one another,” says Todd Caughlin, Kodiaks Manager of Athletics, Lethbridge College.

“Once you’re a Kodiak, you’re always a Kodiak, and Payden is an important part of that culture. I know we’ll all be rallying around her again and cheering her on as she competes in Tokyo.”

For more information on Lethbridge Sport Council’s adaptive sports for people with disabilities, go to lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/sportdirectory/wheelchair-adaptive-sports.