Thanks in part to the South Interior region of BC HRMA, Penticton teen Daniel Cunningham will participate in the World Cup Powerchair Football Championships held in France in Fall 2011.  Living with Muscular Dystrophy, Cunningham, 18, will be one of only eight players representing Canada at the October championships.

For the past three years, the Southern Interior region has presented funds, totaling more than $5000, from the Annual Holiday Social Silent Auction to the local chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. More specifically, $650 raised at the 2011 Swing into Summer event has been pledged to supporting Cunningham with the costs associated with his trip to Paris, France. 

“BC HRMA’s Southern Interior region has been delighted to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada over recent years, but it has been getting to know Daniel at events that has really drawn members to the cause personally,” said Tim Read, BC HRMA member relations manager for the Southern Interior region. “He’s just a great guy and it is truly fantastic that he’s made it on the World Cup team—what a dream. Everyone will be rooting for him in Paris!”

Cunningham has a personal connection to BC HRMA as he has been representing Muscular Dystrophy Canada at regional events for three years.

“I am excited about the trip to Paris. I am happy to have been chosen as one of the top players in Canada and be able to play against the top players in the world,” said Cunningham. “I am thankful for the donation from BC HRMA and I would like to take some pictures and come back to show them at the next BC HRMA Christmas party. I did not realize what an expense travel can be so the donation really means a lot.”

As with regular soccer, the World Cup Powerchair Football Championships is held once every four years with teams participating from more than a dozen countries. To earn his spot on the national team, Cunningham participated in tournaments held locally and in Montreal. Cunningham holds the net as goalie and uses a headset to communicate directly with his team as many of them, including Cunningham, cannot turn to see the ball behind them. 

Provincially, BC HRMA has contributed more than $60,000 over the past four years to Muscular Dystrophy Canada and their Bridges to the Future program. For more information on MDC, please visit www.muscle.ca.