The Canadian Museum for Human Rights Celebrates the Year of Sport
Canadian swimming legend Mark Tewksbury presented his Olympics gold medal for a new exhibition at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights that explores the power of sport to inspire positive changes.
“I won Olympic gold because there were people who supported me at a time when it wasn’t okay to be openly gay,” Tewksbury said at the Museum’s special “Year of Sport” event. Mark’s 1992 Barcelona Olympics gold medal is in a case on display at the Museum.
Busy is an understatement in regards to Mark’s schedule. From the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, the Special Olympics Canada – World Summer Games send-off rally in Vancouver, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights “Year of Sport” event in Winnipeg and finally the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, Mark is a busy guy!
Mark’s connection to the Special Olympics runs deep as a member of the Special Olympics Board of Directors. The 47-year old Calgary native knows what it feels like to be isolated and ostracized; something that he says Special Olympics athletes feel every day.
“I’ve been involved in the Special Olympics for almost 30 years,” he said. “I’m just a huge fan [because I know] what the power of sport can do to build a community. I just love that sports has completely transformed the lives of many people.”
Mark is no stranger to success at the Olympic Games – and he’s ready to share his experience and passion after being named Honourary Coach for Team Canada at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Special Olympics Manitoba golfer – Dominic Mohammed was very excited to meet Mark at the “Year of Sport” event!
The Circle of Inclusion represents the acceptance and inclusion of all people with intellectual disabilities. When you take a photo of you or your friends or co-workers within the circle of inclusion, you are spreading a message of acceptance, and declaring that all people deserved to be included and respected for who they are.
