A former REA scholarship holder becomes world para ice hockey champion

On May 12, 2024, Canada defeated the United States in the final of the Para Ice Hockey World Championship in Calgary, marking their first victory since 2017! Among this newly crowned Canadian world championship team is Shawn Burnett, aged 21, a former REA scholarship holder and patient at the Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal.

Indeed, in a testimonial given to the Foundation, Shawn expressed his gratitude to the Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal for the support he received during his rehabilitation after a parachuting accident left him paraplegic at the age of 18.

At that time, Shawn had already spoken about his desire to “turn this tragedy into a personal challenge”, especially by pursuing para ice hockey to continue living his passion for sports.

Just one year after his accident, Shawn joined the Quebec national para ice hockey team, and within another year, he became one of the country’s top players by joining Canada’s national team.

In 2022, Shawn also received a $3,000 scholarship through the REA Scholarship Program, which aims to support social inclusion and access to education for people with disabilities.

The REA Foundation congratulates Shawn on his journey and for the message of hope he conveys.