Fest-For-All comes to Amherstburg - features county municipalities

Sledge hockey was one of the events at last Friday’s “Fest-For-All.”

The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee presented its second annual “Accessibility Fest-For-All” this year and chose Amherstburg as its location.

This year’s festival was held at the Libro Centre, with the first event having been last year in Colchester. Events and activities included a Miracle League baseball game, roughly 50 events, fitness classes for different abilities, adaptive yoga, an Aphasia Friendly Canada information session offered by the University of Windsor, raffles and sledge hockey courtesy of the Windsor Ice Bullets.

The sledge hockey game featured Team Canada captain Tyler McGregor.

Dennis Sanson, chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee, said accessibility is more than just removing obstacles but it is also about opening doors and creating meaningful opportunities for all.

“It is about creating a sense of belonging for each and every one of us,” said Sanson.

The Fest-For-All is an example of what cam be accomplished when people approach situations with open minds and hearts, he added.

Warden Hilda MacDonald was impressed with what she saw, including the Miracle League diamond, noting it was the first of its kind in Canada.

“How cool is that?” she asked.

Accessibility and inclusion are not just ideas, she indicated, as they need to be remembered and implemented all year long so that all residents can have comfortable, meaningful lives.

MacDonald thanked the county’s accessibility committee, the volunteers, county staff and others who put the Fest-For-All together and encouraged people to ask questions and get involved.

“Events like these remind us why accessibility matters so much,” said MacDonald.

Mayor Michael Prue said the Miracle League of Amherstburg is not just a place to play, it “provides joy and community spirit.” He said the town wants spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all.

Of the Libro Centre, Prue added “we are so very, very proud of it” and also thanked those who helped present the Accessibility Fest-For-All. 

“Accessibility is a journey we are on together and today we move forward together,” he said during last Friday’s event.

Miracle League of Amherstburg president Shawn Dufour said he came aboard after the previous board stepped down after roughly 13 years of exemplary service. He said his three-year journey as president has led to joy and happiness every time he is at the diamond.

“I smile every Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,” said Dufour.

There are roughly 180 players on nine teams, he added, with volunteers always welcome to sign up at www.amherstburgmiracle.com. The Miracle League of Amherstburg’s fall season is September and October while the spring season is May and June.

Fest-For-All comes to Amherstburg - features county municipalities

By Ron Giofu