Tribute Award for Service
By Patchen Barss
No term describes Dave Schaller better than “power lifter.” Not only can he bench press hundreds of pounds balancing the bar with his right hand and stump he was born with, but he has also raised up hundreds of children and youth with disabilities through the programs, teams, and other activities he has championed.
As the first Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Pathways Health Centre for Children in Sarnia, Schaller forged community partnerships and became a beloved leader, mentor, and supporter of inclusive, accessible sports, recreation and life skills programs. Over a more than three-decade career, Schaller created and grew specialized programs until they could stand on their own as long-term components of the sporting community. He gave his region the Iron Eagles Strength Training Club, Sarnia Ice Hawks Sledge Hockey, a Challenger Baseball local, a Therapeutic Horseback Riding program, Adapted Sailing programs, and many other inclusive activities still in operation today. One of the achievements he is most proud of is the partnership with Ironworks Gym in Sarnia to create the Give The Kids A Lift bench press contest and fundraiser for Pathways. Now in its 24th year, this inclusive "all abilities welcome" contest has raised more than $300,000 to support children's programs.
Since the early 1990s, Schaller has worked alongside parents, volunteers and community partners, championing accessibility throughout Sarnia and Lambton County, providing opportunities for children with disabilities to participate, compete and excel. Many of the people who trained with Schaller or joined one of his programs went on to successes at regional, provincial, and international events, including the Paralympics.
In swim, track and field, sledge hockey, boccia, and of course strength training, he worked relentlessly and constructively to give children and youth with disabilities similar opportunities as their non-disabled counterparts—he provided the path for them to rise to the top of their chosen pursuits, to believe in themselves, to find purpose and passion, and to be celebrated by their families and fans. Dave also listened to the concerns of families for their children's futures and he responded by creating the onsite Pathways Lifelong Learning Program for young adults, a two day a week social enterprise that teaches life skills and supports many former Pathways clients who are now navigating the community as young adults.
Recently retired as the Manager of Community Services, Schaller continues to volunteer, mentor, and inspire, carrying on a lifetime of dedication to inclusivity and elevating all members of his community.