Sunday, March 7, 2010

Jean Labonté

Dear Readers

Jean Labonté is 40 years old. His hometown is in Hull Quebec. He is 5’11. His left leg was amputated due to bone cancer in 1990. He joined the Sledge Hockey team in 1996. His number is 17 and he is a defense. He said the hardest thing he learned when he first started Sledge Hockey was controlling the sled. After a victory game they have a party in the locker room. Jean said they usually drink lemonade. “We win together or we lose together. It’s really a team sport”. He said. Jean is a software designer. He took a break from that for 8 months to play Sledge Hockey. He said, “I miss my wife and my son. I am usually away for long periods of time and I don’t get to see them often”. I asked him how it made him feel when the Canadians won the hockey game. He said it made him feel great, especially winning in over time. “We might not have that chance to be in the Paralympics again, so I am very excited that we are going”. He said with a huge smile on his face.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, that is awesome that you got to talk to them. Great questions you asked! I got to see a bunch of the Russian Paralympic ski team training today, and it was really amazing. Each and every one of these athletes have such an inspiring story. I can't wait to see you next week :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Grace,

    My name is Jenn and I am doing publicity for the 24 Hour Relay. Would you like to be included in a story pitch to the media? If so please call me as soon as possible at 604-689-5559. I hope to talk to you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jean and Greg were so nice, weren't they?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you remember when you guys were in Kimberley to meet the sledge hockey team, you saw some people with Russian emblems out running, and we wondered who they were? I heard later that they were members of the Russian paralympic ski team.

    ReplyDelete