News
Media Release – December 13, 2009
Another Victory for Team Independence
World Record Sky Dives celebrating United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons
Following on their world first North Pole summit, on December 5, 2009, “Team Independence” of David Shannon and Christopher Watkins (both individuals living with disabilities) embarked on a world record sky dive outside of New Orleans, La. in Lumberton, Mississippi, in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons. The sky dive will be facilitated by Incredible Adventures Inc. (www.incredible-adventures.com) with whom Dave and Chris will Dream the Extreme. David Shannon became the first wheelchair user in history to perform such a high altitude HALO jump. The team, composed of David Shannon, Christopher Watkins, Jasmine Nyman, Darren Lillington, and Paul Brunette, accomplished three world records and became the first disability sky diving team in world history. Shannon and Watkins braved extreme cold, high altitude, the jet stream, several oxygen malfunctions and difficult landings with some injuries sustained by both.
At approximately 30,000 feet the dive represented a world record for a person with quadriplegia. The purpose of the dive is to celebrate and publicize the advancements made for persons with a disability, including major human rights milestones such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Shannon and Watkins are both lawyers in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada and each has a disability. Shannon has quadriplegia as the result of a spinal cord injury at age 18 and Watkins has a significant form of arthritis. They have embarked on other projects together including a trip to the North Pole in April 2009, supported by Darren Lillington, and a planned expedition to the South Pole in 2010. The purpose of these extreme and hazardous expeditions is to engage all people in these exciting projects, and to demonstrate that there are no limits to the potential of the human spirit, regardless of any physical disability. David Shannon is carrying the Olympic Torch in Kingston, Ontario on Monday, December 15, 2009.
Dave and Chris also deeply believe in the power of education to provide people with an opportunity to participate fully in their communities. Dave noted, “This is the greatest way to level the playing field for persons with a disability so that they can pursue all of their dreams, whether that is to get a job, join a club or enjoy travel”. Therefore all proceeds raised by going to www.teamindependence.ca will be directed to a special scholarship fund for students with a disability.
To arrange media interviews or for general inquiries please contact Darren Lillington at dslillin@lakeheadu.ca or by phone at 807-621-9680.
We invite you to share this exciting information with all who may be interested and to post the information on your website.
March 19,2009
North Pole To Be Made Wheelchair Accessible
Canadian Lawyers, Activists And Individuals With A Disability Prepare for Polar Expedition
Canadian Will Be First Quadriplegic To Reach North Pole 100 Years After Peary And Henderson Expedition
Message of Disabled Arctic Expedition One Of Environmental Change And Overcoming Barriers
Thunder Bay Lawyers and social activists David Shannon and Christopher Watkins are preparing an expedition to the North Pole. Their arrival date is scheduled for April 11, 2009, nearly 100 years to the day since Admiral Robert Peary and Matthew Henson first visited the extreme northern frontier.
To mark this achievement Dave and Chris will plant a Wheelchair Access Parking sign on the North Pole along with a United Nations, Canadian and Ontario flag.
The purpose of the expedition is to promote independent living for all members of our community. Dave and Chris will illuminate and educate citizens regarding the barriers placed against the disabled within society, and how those barriers can be overcome. Media is invited to go to www.teamindependence.ca, for more information respecting this journey.
The Shannon-Watkins North Pole Expedition 2009 is international in scope. It is lead by Canadians and supported by a multi-national team. Dave Shannon said, “this journey to one of history`s ubiquitous barriers allows everyone an opportunity to appreciate the advancements made for persons with a disability. For example we can point to such major human rights milestones as The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act and The United Nations Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.”
Dave and Chris intend to highlight the fact that removing obstacles to community inclusion of persons with a disability such as poor environmental design, poverty and unemployment requires international cooperation from all of us. This approach to change for disabled persons can have even farther reaching outcomes for our communities by also reducing the adverse effects of climate change and inspiring international peace building.
As Chris Watkins said, “to have a quadriplegic reach the North Pole almost 100 years after Peary and Henson is to show that while change may take time, through broad positive action, there are no dreams too big to dream, and there are no challenges too big to overcome.
As a message for young people, Shannon and Watkins hope to visit Santa Claus when on the North Pole. While there they expect that Santa will want them to tell children it is very important to cooperate, and that they should be very proud of who they are. It is our similarities not our differences that matters. Dave and Chris will follow up this visit with a tour to elementary schools and children`s groups highlighting this story.
In order to cross the ice, Team Independence has designed a sled that allows Shannon’s wheelchair to be fastened in place. Shannon then self-propels with adapted walking sticks with Watkins ahead pulling on a tether.
Interested media members may contact David Shannon at his Law Office: 807-622-9191.