Nearly eight years after Georgia’s Dream came true, she’s skating easily into new and exciting opportunities in her professional journey. Because her sledge hockey Dream didn’t end when she received her customized equipment - it gave her a clear path to shoot for what’s next.
Para Hockey Is More Than Just a Dream
Georgia lives with cerebral palsy and has a deep appreciation for parasports. When she was younger, she’d spend winters renting basic sledge hockey equipment for herself so she could hit the ice with her friends. But her equipment wasn’t fitted to her body and couldn’t be borrowed in warmer months, so she felt that her practice time always fell short. All she wanted was to feel unstoppable.
Georgia’s Dream was to have custom fit sledge hockey equipment that would let her play better, go faster, and practice on the ice and in the off-season so she wouldn’t have to give a rented sled back. In 2018, she was presented with her custom sled following her team’s local game.
In no time, Georgia's skills improved. Her new sled and unlimited practice time helped increase her speed and stamina beyond what she had ever achieved before.
Skating Toward a Bright Future
Fast-forward to today, Georgia’s success continues to grow. After studying recreation therapy and educational support at Mohawk College, she enrolled at Toronto Metropolitan University where she graduated with studies in political science and a major in disability studies. She’s since taken her academic skills into a career in politics, even running as a candidate in the last federal election with plans to do so again!
Georgia has stayed connected to Shine over the years, including through our Come to Sleigh event that brings companies onto the ice with Dreamers and Para Hockey Leaders for a sledge hockey tournament. It means so much to her to return to the sport in such a meaningful yet fun way – a full circle moment staying close to the program that helped shape who she is now.
On and off the ice, Georgia proves to be the ultimate go-getter. Her Dream sparked renewed independence to push further, Dream bigger, and pursue all her passions far into the future. It helped pave the way for years of personal wins and the realization that she CAN achieve anything she sets her mind to, whether it be in skates or office shoes.
