Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/1226064
Darda Sales is an individual with an amputation – her right leg above the knee. As a child living in Sarnia, Ontario, Darda disliked physiotherapy, noting that "physical therapy is very important, however not so fun when you're a kid." As an alternative, she was encouraged to take up swimming, and credits two recreational therapists from early in her life for setting her on the path to success. Both happen to be Georgian graduates: Dave Schiller and Cindy Bachelor (Hughes). It's no surprise that when Darda decided to pursue an education as a Recreation Therapist, she chose to attend Georgian College, graduating from the program in 2006. Darda's career achievements centre around one thing - positively moving sports for individuals with a disability forward. After losing her leg in a farm accident as a child, Darda discovered the joy and challenge of competition in sport, and the importance of being a role model. She notes, "The most important part of everything I do is demonstrating to people what is possible, and removing barriers and fears around para-sports". Darda is a four-time Paralympian in two sports (swimming 2000, 2004, 2008 and wheelchair basketball 2016), a Gold and Silver medalist, a world-record holder and dual-sport World Champion. She also attended two Parapan Am games (2007 and 2015), winning medals at both. Darda founded and acted as head coach of the Intro to Para-Swimming program and was a team manager with the National Para-Swimming Team for training camps and the Parapan Am Games. She also works with the Para-Swimming program at Swimming Canada, developing the Legacy Project with the goal of celebrating today's and yesterday's champions. Today, Darda is a sought-after motivational speaker, bringing a voice to the impact that sports can have on the life of an individual. She is also a PhD Candidate in Kinesiology at Western University. When reflecting on her life and her accomplishments to date, Darda shares a final message for anyone finding themselves in similar circumstances: "You have to try. Anything you are the least bit interested in, you have a right to try. It is so important that you put yourself out there and explore everything that this world has to offer. What you gain from your experiences will have an impact on the rest of your life. You just need to find those few people who are willing to support you and help you move forward." DARDA SALES THERAPEUTIC RECREATION, 2006 CO-PRESIDENT, CO. EDUCATION AND CONSULTING INC. 2019 PREMIER'S AWARD NOMINEE HEALTH SCIENCES CATEGORY 25 GEORGIANVIEW 2019-20 WINTER PREMIER'S AWARDS