College student heading for 2010 Paralympic Games

~Luke Donovan, a Marketing student in the Business Administration program and Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team member, has found the right fit with COTRs location, program, and supportive atmosphere. ~

Originally from Dalhousie, New Brunswick and Morell, PEI he chose COTR because it fit with his training and educational goals.

"I was a student in Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and made the move to BC to pursue Alpine Skiing. After two years in BC, living in Vernon and then Kimberley, I was looking for a school that would be functional with my career during and after sport. I ski for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team and the sport takes a lot of commitment with travel, training and just living the life of an athlete with a physical disability. College of the Rockies provided the education, Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort provided the training facility and with the airport being so close - it just was the right decision."

Donovan was injured in 2002 in a freestyle skiing accident while training for the 2003 Canada Games. A miscalculated jump ended up costing him dearly by leaving him with a spinal cord injury.

"Skiing and winter were such a big part of me I knew the relationship wasn't over," he continued. "A year after my injury I was back on snow and enjoying every minute of it. Sitskiing, as my sport is called, was totally new to me when I started, but now I'm so accustomed to it that it's second nature."

Donovan has been adaptive skiing for six years now and some of the triumphs he looks back on are winning the Eastern Championship and the Nor-Am races. "It always feels good to be the fastest," he laughed. He also includes "launching off tabletop jumps the average person wouldn't dare try and just being the person I wanted to be as a kid."

When asked how he balances his training and education he replied: "Every week is half-skiing and half-school. COTR has been great helping me with my busy ski schedule. They've rescheduled assignments and exams, kept me up to date on material I've missed while away training, and the Student Services staff have guided me through some tough situations that came along.

"One Instructor, Cynthia Zao, has been super helpful. While I was away training she set up an exam for me online and without that effort on her part things could have been really stressful for me."

Getting around the Cranbrook Campus in a wheelchair has not been too much of a challenge for Donovan; he says accessibility of the College's facilities is quite good. "I don't believe there's one place in the main building that I can't get to, that I've discovered so far. At the residence, it's quite easy for me as well; I really like the simultaneous opening double door. When I come into the residence with my hands full those two doors opening with the touch of a button saves a lot of hassle.

"Also, the Residence Supervisor, Pam Catsirellis, has helped me with small requests and I feel comfortable bringing things to her attention. The package here for wheelchair friendliness is really great, there isn't much to change," he smiled, "perhaps less gravel on the road in the winter, but that's not a big deal."

Donovan is now focusing on what he needs to do leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games. "In the next few months I'll be travelling across North America for ski races and raising publicity. My personal sponsors make my life a reality so a huge thanks goes out to Jennings Capital Inc., Canadian Sport Center Atlantic and Fischer Skis. Also my family and their support have been crucial to me. I know even though I'm out West I have the Maritimes rooting for me too.

Wrapping everything up Donovan said, "I'm getting some buzz leading up to the Vancouver Games. It's all pretty exciting. I don't think I could be in a better place than I am now. Here at the College, mountains and skiing, cultural experiences, BC living and getting an education.

Life is good," he concluded.

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