Introducing Manitoba Possible’s Ambassadors: Alex & Téo
We began our search for the next generation of Manitoba Possible ambassadors in the early months of 2021 and were delighted to receive several excellent applications. It’s now with great excitement that we introduce you to this year’s ambassadors: Alex and Téo!
Meet Alex
A photo of smiling Alex, a wheelchair user, and service dog, Fanta outdoors.
Hello, my name is Alex Lytwyn. You may recognize me from a story featured in the 2019-20 Annual Report, “The Advocate.” I have been involved with Manitoba Possible for over 25 years. From funding for adaptive equipment to money for my postsecondary education, Manitoba Possible has been a huge part of my life. It is an enormous honour to be Manitoba Possible’s Adult Ambassador for 2021!
A big part of my life is my service dog, Fanta, a Black Labrador Retriever. She can do so much and knows 17 different commands, from picking up things to opening doors and barking for help.
Manitoba Possible has removed barriers for me in attending post-secondary education (twice!), and both times, Manitoba Possible played an integral role in my success. I’m now in the process of starting my own business, having earned my Business Administration certificate and my Applied Counselling certificate.
My mind is strong and active, and I advocate wherever and whenever possible for access and inclusion, including writing articles for media organizations like CBC and two yet-to-be-published books. It is my goal to show society that disabled folks of all kinds have unlimited potential. The stereotype that disabled people may be weak or unable has driven me to get the most out of life while sharing positive ways to break down barriers.
As an ambassador of Manitoba Possible, I look forward to showing society that disabled individuals are unique individuals, all with endless possibilities!
Meet Téo
Téo is pictured from the shoulders up at the lake. His hair is blowing in the wind and he’ has a slight smile.
Hello, My name is Téo! I was first introduced to Manitoba Possible through the recreation and leisure Sledge HOckey Program and other sports camps at four years old. I am excited to be Manitoba Possible’s next Youth Ambassador!
Some of my most challenging barriers as a person with a disability have happened in the school system. With help from my parents, I have been able to overcome many of these obstacles however not without strong advocating and some not within the timeline that I could benefit from. For example, the high school that I was supposed to attend did not have an elevator nor did it meet several other of my access needs, meaning I had no choice but to go to an accessible high school outside my neighbourhood and without my friends. In a way, even though my accessibility needs weren’t met as they should have been, I feel I was able to find a light at the end of the tunnel. I love my school and have made multiple new friendships! Oh, and it turns out that the school I was supposed to attend is finally building an elevator this summer - so advocacy pays off!
Sports are my number one passion! I love the accessible sports available in Winnipeg. I participate Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Basketball regularly and at a competitive level. My love for competitive sports has taught me perseverance which has helped me surpass many of the barriers that I have faced.
The opportunity to be the next Manitoba Possible Youth Ambassador is very meaningful to me. Because of the challenges persons of differing abilities face, I wanted to contribute to making our society accessible to everyone. An inclusive and accessible society is important for so many reasons. In my own experience, access to sporting equipment that suits my needs has allowed me to fully participate in the activities I love. As an Ambassador I hope to increase people’s knowledge about living with a disability. I wish people would understand that we are humans with talents and differing abilities, not limitations and inabilities.
Manitoba Possible can’t wait to work with Alex and Téo to realize our vision of an inclusive and accessible society.