Russell Cecchini 

       I was born with cerebral palsy to two incredible parents who were deaf. We started our journey together in Smith Falls, where I spent the early years of my life surrounded by their love and resilience. Then I moved to Hamilton, and eventually, in the late 1980s, I settled in Ottawa, which became my new home.

      My passion for athletics began at a young age. I vividly remember the excitement and pride I felt at the 1984 Summer Paralympics, where I won a gold medal in the 60-meter race,
representing Canada. This was just the beginning. I also excelled in boccia and swimming, earning a silver medal in the Men's Individual C1 boccia event and a bronze medal in the Men's25 m Freestyle with Aids C1 swimming event.

       In 1985, I co-founded ComputerWise at Ottawa Foyers Partage. This venture was born out of a deep passion for accessibility and a desire to create tools that empower people with different abilities. Running this business has been a labor of love, driven by my commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

    My journey is fueled by a dedication to making a positive impact on the community, and I am constantly inspired by the people I meet and the challenges we overcome together. Every achievement, every milestone, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of those around me.