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j PAGE 6THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JULY 21,2004 www.durhamrcgion.com Program helps disabled youth hone leadership, advocacy skills PROGRAM from page 1 al champion." Ben wrapped up his final year at M.J. Hobbs Senior Public School in June and will be attending attending Courtice Secondary School in the fall. He said his personal experience with cerebral cerebral palsy isn't as bad as others. He walks with the aid of two canes and occasionally has trouble trouble performing tasks that require the simultaneous use of his hands, but these challenges haven't stopped him from trying anything he's interested in. "I have trouble with my legs and balance, and I can't walk very fast," said Ben. "But I have good upper body strength." He said he began working out recently to improve his fitness so he can continue exploring what the world has to offer. "I'm pretty lucky, even though I don't think I am sometimes," sometimes," said Ben. He mentioned some of the people in the program program were blind, and was amazed by how much they could do. "I was thinking that the things I do every day would be so much harder if I were blind," he said. Ben said he loved the sense of independence he felt while taking taking part in the program. Participants Participants lived on campus at the Car- leton University Conference Centre and took their meals in the University cafeteria, where they could choose from the menus of various restaurants. "Each suite had a chaperone," chaperone," lie said. "And we each had our own room in the suite with a lock on the door, a fridge and sink." Ben thought it gave young people a chance to check out University life up close. He said learning about Canada and meeting meeting people from other provinces changed his life. Improving leadership leadership skills and playing new sports has infused Ben with a desire desire to continue on that path, but there was something else he said also changed his life. "1 met some girls from Quebec, Quebec, New Brunswick and British Columbia. I talk with them on messenger (real-time e-mail) and any time 1 need help with school, Wooden boats weigh anchor in Newcastle for marina festival NEWCASTLE -- Everything Everything from canoes to schooners are anticipated to be at the 10th Anniversary Wooden Boat Festival Festival this weekend. The Port of Newcastle Marina is hosting the event Saturday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and those arriving arriving by boat can enjoy free docking and boat space. There will be a barbecue, and children can have fun in the jumping castle or at the facepainting facepainting booth. Artists will display display their works and boat enthusiasts. enthusiasts. can seek out opportunities to purchase a wooden boat, or share tips on maintenance. A wooden-boat builder will be available to answer questions for those interested in designing their own boat. Free cruises will take place throughout the day. "People can see the marina from lakeside, which is really nice," said Alison Woollicot, general manager of Port of Newcastle Newcastle Marina. "And the weather is expected to cooperate." Those who don't want to call it a day at 5 p.m. can purchase advance tickets for $12 each at the marina restaurant for dinner, karaoke and dancing that will * D LIVE ENTERTAINMENT °qSAT., JULY 24th - 10pm "START » IT UP" 600 Grandview, Oshawa 905-436-1476 Follow the Huge Canadian flag to Automotive Excellente ÛlamlmiÈÊ VS&VP&'JPù Waverly & 401 Bowmanville 905-697-9555 2004 4 Runner V8 Sport Lease for $489 /MONTH ONLY 2 LEFT -- VINU 4 Lcri your MBnmnu OAC lot 4i months with S6208 down, freight and P.D.E included. S45.345 MS8P, APB 1.9$ if CLEAN TRADES NEEDED one of our photos? COMFORT PACKAGE Air, auto., p.group, AM/FM/CD Ask About Our 12 Month Return Policy ONTARIO^HYUNDAI 1 -866-871 -6776 platon@ontariohyundai.ca Plus tax, bi-weekly payment. 72 mths O.A.C. 'SO down. 60 month lease based on 20,000 km/yr. See Pat lor details. This Week mt Cnnabian âtatcsünan The News Advertiser Œimcs-foimifll Metroland Durham Region Media especially geography, they can help me," he said. Ben's mother, Pam, said she was thrilled with the change in her son after his experience in Ottawa. "He came home energized," she said. "His whole attitude was different, different, like he felt like he could do anything. "They learned to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities, and they learned to speak in an interview and talk to the media." Ben said that, while youth arc only allowed to participate in the program once in their lives, he's looking forward to going back some day as a chaperone. "ft was totally awesome." The Low Garb Meat Store fine FOODS >^j A) IIJ D n "The Meat People" Celebrating 25 Years Serving Duitiam Region follow the festival. The dance starts at 6 p.m. with dance and door prizes provided by local vendors. The public can find the Port of Newcastle Marina by turning south on Mill Street and following following the signs to the shore of Lake Ontario. Those travelling via the 401 can use the Mill Street exit. For more information phone 905-987-5251. ÆmS. Mw MM/ ÊM Fresh Beef Kabobs ■mm Fresh Grade "A" Chickens ' ; 'w 1 ' ■r* • - ;• ÆeU--' • 1 , ~v fv T ..... R At' é bV . iW- • '-'X, • -***{ F>' - >-> F ..<*,«■: f \ ^ ■ ; 1 VV : ,Sa.v v: XXh.v ... •"-x?:. • : -w, ■ -' J: .' Lean Ground Beef Reameal Bacon Black Forest Ham per 100 g. Ham Kobassa Serving Durham Region with 4 Locations Including. SOUTH OSHAWA NORTH OSHAWA 915 Nelson Street (Wmtwbrih one black seif of RHaon) 576-6328 Mon.-Thurs. 8-5:30 Fri. 8 -6:00 Sat. 8-5:00 CLOSED SUNDAY Taunton Square Taunton/Ritson 571-1446 Mon.-10-6, Tues. &. Wed. 9-6, Thurs. & Fri. 8-7 Sat. 8-6, Sun. 10-5 east oshawa & courtice 1300 King St. East (Ki*«(«Mf Vllliji Shafflnj Centra) 432-1382 Mon.-Wed. 9-7, Thurs. & Fri. 9-8, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 10-5 WHITBY 1916 Dundas St, East (N/E Comer of Garrard & Dundee) 434-8454 Tues. & Wed. 9-6 thurs. 8-7, Fri. 8-t Sat. 7-6, Sun. 10-5 UK Questions or Comments e-mail us at halendasmeats@rogers.com Sale effective until closing Sunday, July 25th, 2004