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SONJA GAUDET – Wheelchair Curling

Sonja is the only returning member of the Canadian team that struck gold in Torino, Italy when wheelchair curling made its debut at the 2006 Paralympic Games. Since Torino, she has continued in her winning ways by taking home a gold medal from the 2009 World Championships. Coached by 2006 gold medal winning coach, Joe Rea, Sonja is a member of the Vernon Curling Club.

After a fall from a horse and sustaining a spinal cord injury, she continued her love of sport by playing basketball and tennis. She also loves to row, bike and swim. When Sonja was first introduced to wheelchair curling she knew immediately that this was the sport for her and has now competed in one provincial championship, three national championships, three world championships and in the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games where she and her team mates achieved the unthinkable by winning the gold medal. She is very excited to be a big part of the team again this season as they prepare, train, and compete for an amazing sporting experience in the 2010 at the Paralympic Games.

Sonja has a keen interest in accessibility issues in her community of Vernon and lends her experience and knowledge to create new recreational opportunities for people with mobility challenges. She is an ambassador with the Rick Hansen Foundation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and VANOC, where she uses the power of sport and her experience of overcoming challenges to motivate and inspire people of all ages.

A message that Sonja likes to leave with everyone is, “Always believe in your ability. Strive for excellence in all that you do and be an inspiration to someone in your life.”

Living in Vernon, BC, Sonja is married to Dan and they have two active teenagers, Alysha and Colten. Family is her first priority in life. She is a Certified Teachers Assistant and hopes to work in the school system once she retires from her “career” as a National Team Athlete.

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