Irresistible Force

Bob Forsey is the education officer at the Newfoundland Museum in St.
John’s.

Irresistible Force traces the growth of disability sport in Canada, from
the 1940s when people with disabilities were basically shut-ins to 1999
when thousands competed and excelled in local, national, and
international competitions. The book describes the range of sports now
open to athletes with disabilities; profiles elite athletes in each
sport; identifies the key Canadian organizations that supported the
growth of disability sport; and details how equipment, rules, and arenas
have been modified to enable athletes with disabilities to compete
effectively.

Success stories are highlighted. For example, in 1981 Manitoba’s
amputee high jumper Arnold Boldt set a world record that still stands
today, and British Columbia’s blind swimmer Walter Wu won five gold
medals while setting five world records at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics.


Despite the tremendous progress of disability sport since 1940, two big
problems remain. The first is the longstanding lack of media and public
recognition of significant accomplishments of athletes with
disabilities. The second is the shrinking government support for
disabled sports organizations.

Irresistible Force is recommended for general readers interested in the
state of disability sport in Canada and especially for disabled athletes
seeking information on what opportunities exist in competitive sports.