WAR AMPS “CHAMPS” CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY AT WESTERN CHILD AMPUTEE SEMINAR
August 17, 2015 – The War Amps 2015 Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar, will take place on the weekend in Edmonton. The Seminar will bring together young amputees and their parents from across the western provinces where they will learn about the latest developments in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and bullying and parenting an amputee child.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the CHAMP Program, which has provided generations of child amputees with financial assistance for artificial limbs, regional seminars and peer support.
| When: | Radisson Hotel Edmonton South
4440 Gateway Boulevard |
| Where: | August 21 - 23, 2015 |
Media are welcome to attend the following sessions, during the weekend. Interviews with the Champs can be arranged at any time.
| Friday, August 21 |
| 10:30 a.m. | News Conference - “Saluting Alberta Champ Zoe Gottwald” (Gallery 1)
Nine-year-old Zoe Gottwald, of Chestermere, AB, is a left leg amputee due to a lawn mower accident. A few years ago, while playing outside, she slipped on the grass and fell underneath a riding lawn mower. With the help of her family, Zoe has been working hard this summer assisting The War Amps with its national lawn mower safety initiative and spreading the message of “playing safely” to as many children as possible. She will be receiving a plaque of appreciation for her efforts. At the news conference, Zoe will be joined by other young “Champs” from across the Western provinces, who will demonstrate the limbs and recreational devices they use to overcome their amputations and achieve their goals. |
| Saturday, August 22 |
| 8:50 a.m. | PLAYSAFE! (Gallery 1)
Champs learn how they can become Safety Ambassadors and teach other children how to PLAYSAFE. |
| 10:15 a.m. | Healthy Living for Arm Amputees (Jubilee Ballroom A)
Arm amputees learn how to lead healthy lives, discover a multitude of daily living aids and look at new ways to accomplish everyday activities. |
| 10:15 a.m. | Healthy Living for Leg Amputees (Palm)
Leg amputees learn how to lead healthy lives and look at new ways to accomplish everyday activities. |
| 1:00 p.m. | Feature presentation “Life as a Champ” (Jubilee Ballroom A)
CHAMP Graduate Lisa Dejong, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, is a left foot amputee. She will speak about embracing and overcoming the challenges of growing up as an amputee. |
| 1:30 p.m. | Amputees in Action! (Jubilee Ballroom A)
Champs demonstrate their artificial limbs and devices. |
| Sunday, August 23 |
| 8:45 a.m. | “What Bugs Me” (Jubilee Ballroom)
Open forum session where young Champs talk about and learn to handle difficult issues they encounter like teasing, staring and “too many questions” |