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COMMUNITY 57 Need a Professional Mover? www.highenergytransport.com 416 - 684-2419 Voted BEST MOVER in Oakville. Call to get a FREE QUOTE. H fo h ^ in e ra ii 'ransport Inc. OTfottotg done' teg ftt Freak accident sidelines Oakville rider's plans • Continued from page 12 es and serious riding bud­ gets," said Carrie who did not fit into any of those cat­ egories. She'd have to work her way up to the Top 12 in the province to reach the Roy­ al. "It was a long shot and I thought the only way I'd make it was if someone dropped out and I would get in by fluke." But before Carrie could embark on her journey tragedy struck. A freak ac­ cident on a snowmobile left her brother a paraplegic. Instead of sidelining her plans her brother became her inspiration. "I decided that since my brother couldn't use his legs any­ more, I need to use mine for the both of us." With this new resolve even a series of injuries she incurred during her pur­ suit of Royal status became mere obstacles to jump over. In February 2017 Carrie got a concussion after fall­ ing off her horse Romeo who was spooked by snow sliding off the roof of a barn. In May she fell again and tore her a ligament in her knee. Two months lat­ er she fell yet again, this time breaking two fingers. By the end of the same month, another fall led to a cracked rib. Still, she stayed focused on her dream. Through sheer perse­ verance Carrie earned her invitation to the Royal Winter Fair by placing ninth in the province until the last A circuit horse show when she dropped to 11th. "I placed in the Top 10 in every class I rode in, which is pretty freaking awe­ some." In between all of this Carrie managed to orga­ nize three benefit concerts and an online silent auc­ tion that raised $150,000 for her brother. "I had a dream. I had some obstacles to go over, under and through but I did it in two years." Now that she achieved her childhood dream she plans to spend the next year just enjoying the ride. Nikki W esley/Metroland (Left) Carrie Thomas cleans off Romeo's bit after training at Greenhaven; (above) Carrie Thomas grooms Romeo at Greenhaven in preparation for the upcoming riding season. ------------------------------ W H ave Yo u rSay H DSB.c From February 5 to March 9,2018, the Halton District School Board will launch a series of anonymous surveys for students, staff, parents/guardians and the community at large. Participation in this survey is important and will help us identify opportunities to improve our schools and ensure student achievement and well-being are at the centre of everything we do. Visit www.HaveYourSayHDSB.ca to access the survey. No login or password required. Your feedback can help guide meaningful change to improve student learning, growth and success. T O G E T H E R we inspire every student to 9 9 0 LEARN GROW SUCCEED Halton District School Board Thinking of selling? Su Casa>> Home Staging & ReDesign www.sucasahomestaging.com 905 - 599-8348 Voted BEST HOME STAGER in Oakville! 2017OakvilleBeaver Need New Windows? 3245 H arveste r Rd, B u rlin g to n 905 - 333-6705 Diamond Award Winner V is it th e ir s h o w ro o m to sh o p fo r W in d o w s & D oors . Oakville Beaver Get Results in 2018 UNLIMITED BOOTCAMP CLASSES $240 *first time members only prim alA athletics EVOLUTION O F FITNESS W 647 - 896-3294 461 North Service Rd. W., Ut B36 www.primalathletics.ca DIAMOND AWARD FOR BEST IN FITNESS ^ 2 0 1 7 Oakville Beaver readerschoice .oakvillebeaver.com | O akville B eaver | Thursday, February 8, 2018 insidehalton.com http://www.highenergytransport.com http://www.HaveYourSayHDSB.ca http://www.sucasahomestaging.com http://www.primalathletics.ca Need a Professional Mover? Hfoh^ineraii 'ransport Inc. H ave Yo u rSay H DSB.c Thinking of selling? Su Casa>> Need New Windows? Get Results in 2018 $240 647-896-3294