Local "Champs" Demonstrate Specialized Limbs at War Amps Halifax Seminar
Today

    
                               NEWS CONFERENCE

                       10:30 AM, Friday July 16, 2010
             WESTIN NOVA SCOTIAN HOTEL, 1181 Hollis St., Halifax
    

HALIFAX, July 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Being born a left arm amputee hasn't stopped Robin Penney, 13, of Upper Northfield, NS, from enjoying activities like swimming and basketball. She does so with devices provided by The War Amps.

Robin will demonstrate these devices in a news conference at 10:30 a.m. today (Friday July 16th) in the Lunenburg Room of Halifax's Westin Nova Scotian Hotel as the opening session of The War Amps 2010 Atlantic Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar.

This year is the 35th anniversary of the CHAMP Program, and the theme of the news conference is Growing Up With CHAMP. Other Champs from across the Atlantic provinces will also demonstrate the artificial limbs and devices they use to overcome their amputations and achieve their goals, including Mark Arendz, 20, of Hartsville, PEI, who will demonstrate his devices for cycling and biathlon, and Chloe Dunbar, 1, of Windsor, NS, who has already been fitted with an artificial arm.

Robin and Chloe have a special connection. Both arm amputees from birth, Robin has spent time with Chloe and her family through The War Amps Matching Mothers Program, answering questions and offering advice.

The seminar, which runs July 16 to 18, is a life-changing experience for Champs and their parents, and covers everything from raising an amputee child, to dealing with teasing and staring, to seeing the latest developments in artificial limbs.

Media are welcome to attend the sessions, or interviews with the Champs can be arranged at any time.

For further information: Danita Chisholm, Director of Communications, 1 [phone] or 1 877 60MEDIA