When a devastating spinal cord injury left Douro-Dummer native Alec Denys paralyzed from the waist down at age 29, he could have retreated, wallowing in self-pity with the question ‘Why me?’ running constantly through his mind.
Yes, he could have – but he instead forged a path lined with volunteer service, lived leadership, mentorship, advocacy and athletic achievement to build connection, reduce isolation, expand accessibility and create opportunity for countless others spanning multiple generations. The result has been a full life that is an inspiring example of resilience, determination and full-on empathy.
Truth be known, Denys’ athletic achievements alone could have brought him to the Pathway of Fame on their own.
An archer who represented Canada at five Paralympic Games from 1984 to 2000, Denys competed in more than 30 international tournaments, won gold and helped set a world team archery record in 2012, as well as establishing Canadian records in swimming and javelin. All very impressive, for sure, but it’s Denys’ work and dedication out of the sports arena that sets him apart.
For more than 15 years as a peer mentor and support leader with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SPIO), Denys has helped individuals and families navigate one of the most difficult and emotional transitions imaginable.
For having developed and sustained a peer support network serving some 40 participants monthly in Peterborough County, Denys received the organization’s Peer Volunteer of the Year Award as well as Peterborough’s Holnbeck Award in recognition of his contributions to improving quality of life for people with disabilities.
A member of the Peterborough County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, Denys is a founding member and chair of the Active Together Program offered through the Council for Persons with Disabilities, helping create recreational opportunities for those with both visible and hidden disabilities. If this isn’t enough, Denys also sits as president of the Douro-Dummer Seniors Club, and is vice-president of the Peterborough Curling Club.
While each of his volunteer roles has been a focus, Denys has never strayed far from the sport he loves.
As part of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, he carried the torch into Del Crary Park where he proudly lit the community cauldron. With Archery Canada, Denys has held senior leadership roles, including chair of the High-Performance Committee. And holding true to the path his life has followed, he has mentored others involved in the sport, a list that includes Canadian Paralympic gold medalist Jon Thurston.
When all is said and done, we’re left with a man who transformed adversity into service, achievement into opportunity, and lived experience into lasting impact.