Hall of Fame Letters
David McConnell
It is my privilege to Welcome members of the Canadian Armed Forces (thank you for your service) to all our athletes, coaches, and administrative personnel and Family and friends to our celebration for the induction of Paul Bowes (Bowesy) into the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame.
Amanda Marshall sings a song that claims, “everybody has a story”. Here, today in this room I know that everyone here has untold personal Bowesy stories. On the surface of these stories, without sharing the specifics most of us only see the black and white and the impact or colour is obscured. Each one of our own Bowesy stories has as much colour in them as a Southwestern Ontario Fall Forest. It is that Bowesy colour that has such a lasting impression.
As we hear some of these stories today, I encourage all of us to share our individual accounts with each other.
Hip folks today talk about “Influencers” and promoting the “Brand”. Whether Bowesy is Hip or Olde School is debatable but what is not up for any debate is Bowesy’s influence of changing the Culture to inclusion and that we all belong. You have promoted that and so much more in your own Bowesy style on all levels of wheelchair basketball.
No Wilson tack here Mister. (lil bit of my colour folks)
It is my privilege to join with everyone here as we honour you today with this well-deserved recognition.
You are truly my brother from a different Mother, and you represent (he says that a lot) the gold metal standard of friendship.
Congratulations.
Reginald Goodman
Dear members of the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Committee
I would like to endorse Paul Bowes as a member into the WBC Hall of Fame. Paul
has been an advocate for wheelchair basketball for many years, in many areas. A true
ambassador, Paul’s contribution to the game has been second to none. As a coach, and
developer with the London Flyers, Paul has been a student of the game, taking the time
to learn it well. He has become an excellent coach on many levels, all the way up to the
National Team Program.
His dedication to the game is unmatched. He has always been willing to help
anyone he came across, while also taking the time to learn new things along the way. Paul
has been an inspiration to many with his positive attitude, and his commitment to
excellence. He is always ready when called upon in any capacity. We all should be proud
to have crossed his path.
A friend to all, and always giving, we are lucky to have such a dedicated
ambassador to promote our sport. We all are grateful for his contributions to this wonderful
game!
Yours truly,
Reginald Goodman