“Once something is a passion, the motivation is there”. - Michael Schumacher. Marni suffered a spinal cord injury in a skiing accident when she was 18 years old. Her passion for sports motivated her to continue as a sports person. Marni began her parasport career as an avid swimmer and won several gold medals. Once she was introduced to wheelchair basketball, she enthusiastically began to focus on a basketball career which led to her first medal at the Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Marni continued her Paralympic winning streak with gold medals in 1996 and 2000, and a bronze in 2004. She also helped Team Canada win three consecutive world championship titles in 1994, 1998 and 2002. After retiring from the national team she continued her contributions to wheelchair basketball as a coach. Marni has been honored numerous times for her work which includes receiving the Rick Hansen Award from the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association in 2011, being named Coach of the Year by Wheelchair Basketball Canada in 2009 and being inducted into the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Hall of Fame in 2008.

Would you tell us more about your journey of becoming a Paralympic athlete? How was the transition from swimming to wheelchair basketball?M: When I was at an international swim meet in 1986 I first saw the women’s national wheelchair basketball team. I was introduced to several of the players and watch some of their games, after that I was hooked! I gave up swimming and focused on trying the make the national wheelchair basketball team, definitely made the right decision!

You have coached wheelchair basketball for many years. What is the best thing you love about coaching?M: I have coached for many years and various levels, I really enjoy coaching the junior and Canada games aged athletes the most. These athletes are learning so many life lessons and skills along with basketball, I really like having the ability to impact their lives and their choices as they navigate through their teen years.

What has been the most important milestone in your life. What is the impact of this on your life?M: I think one of the most important milestones for me would be moving from a small town in the interior of British Columbia to Vancouver shortly after my injury in 1983. This move (although far from my family and friends) allowed me to be pursue post-secondary education as well as train and compete with the national team.

You have won numerous gold medals in Paralympic games. Which is the most memorable for you?M: They all have special meaning one way or another but I would have to say the first gold medal we won in 1992 in Barcelona was the most memorable for me. It was a real turning point for me to realize that as I sat there with the Canadian flag being raised, the national anthem being played and that gold medal around my neck that I was really proud of myself and my team. It was probably one of the first times I had felt that way since being injured and there was no looking back from there!

Can you tell us about your experience working as the Director at BC Wheel Basketball Society? What are some of the biggest challenges for young wheelchair athletes?M: I am the Director of the Let’s Play program which is an Active Start/Fundamentals program for the BC wheelchair Basketball society. This program identifies children with physical disabilities when they are as young as 3 years old. I provide them with a small sized sport wheelchair and resources to help them be active. I am able to introduce children and families to the skill of wheeling as well as connect them with our sport and rec partners to find activities for them to participate in. Some of the biggest challenges is having enough equipment to support these children and families, especially in the more rural areas of the province.

Who is your inspiration?M: When I was a young girl I really admired Nancy Green, I wanted to be a ski racer just like her. I crashed skiing in 1983 and broke my back and sustained a permanent spinal cord injury, While in rehab I met Rick Hansen who was planning his Man in Motion world tour, he really helped me understand that options that I still had available to me and really motivated me to get involved in sport, this really made my transition to living with a permanent disability a lot easier. I still do really admire Nancy Green as she has become a very successful business woman and is still very involved in sport.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?M: Any beach! I love the sound of the water crashing in, the warm sunshine and the thought of slowing things down and relaxing.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?M: My husband and I do a lot of biking on our hand cycles, this is something we do a lot with our family. We also love to travel and have gone on many trips with various members of our families.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to learn a new sport?M: Go for it! There are so many options available for people with disabilities now, anything is possible! I would say find something you are passionate about and give it a try. There are many organizations that can offer programs and/or equipment so don’t be afraid to reach out for information or assistance.

Any special message for our community?M: A positive attitude has really helped me through some of my most difficult times and biggest challenges, it is not always easy but keeping a cheerful outlook will help you and those around you enjoy every moment of life!