Sonja’s Story

Canadian Paralympic Committee

Going out for a peaceful afternoon on her horse was the beginning of a whole new way of life for Sonja Gaudet.

“Without even knowing or remembering exactly how things happened – I found myself in the hospital being told that I had sustained a spinal cord injury after my horse reared up and fell over backwards with me still on him!”

Not one to lay back and feel sorry for herself, Sonja connected with other active individuals who lived life with a spinal cord injury. She wanted to know all the things she would still be able to do – including sports.

“With the amazing support of my family, friends and the community at large, I quickly got back into my life – raising my two kids who were three and six years old at the time, and studying to be a Certified Teachers Assistant . Because being active in sport was a huge part of my life prior to my accident, I wanted to be sure that I would still be able to participate in sports – especially with my family – so I began trying all the different sports that were available to me.”

Immersing herself in an active lifestyle, Sonja learned how to ski, play basketball and tennis, bike, swim, and do many other things that she loved to do before. Eventually, she was introduced to a brand new sport– curling – and has now been chosen as a member of the 2005/2006 Canadian Paralympic Curling Team. “Our team’s objective is to hear our national anthem on the last day of competition!”

The riding accident continues to teach Sonja life lessons – the importance of supportive people in our lives, teamwork, patience, hard work, staying positive, and giving back. She is a team leader and ambassador for the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event which raises awareness and funds for spinal cord research, she is an aspiring Paralympic athlete, but first and foremost Sonja is a wife and mother of two kids - her family’s health and happiness is number one!

With a personal motto of ‘Always Believe in yourself’, Sonja’s mantra is Abilities enhanced, disabilities overcome and lives fulfilled!

“I try to keep in mind that there is always a positive side to everything and everybody – as hard as that is to find sometimes – its worth searching for!”