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Paul’s Story
Paul Rosen has expensive life lessons but he says they are lessons that money couldn’t buy. In 1975, an unfortunate sports injury left Paul with a severe right knee problem. In 1997, the knee problems worsened and knee replacement surgery was performed. In the next two years, infections set in and in 1999, in order to save Paul’s life, amputation was the only option. On June 9, 1999 his right leg was amputated above the knee and six short years later, at the age of 45, Paul is living his dream of playing for Team Canada.
Sledge hockey has given Paul the opportunity to see the world, and to realize that athletes are athletes no matter what they look like. “I’ve always been involved in sports: it’s been a huge part of my life. Now as an athlete with a disability it’s given me an outlook on life that I couldn’t buy.”
He’s come through his life experiences with a higher level of learning. “My message to people is that no matter what your age, or your situation, you can overcome anything if you just believe in yourself and put your mind to it and, most of all, never give up.”
Paul feels that, as a veteran of the team, he offers leadership on and off the ice. He feels that athletes with a disability are our greatest strength in Canada and he will dedicate everything he can to opening the eyes of the Canadian public to these great athletes.
When not competing, Paul loves spending time with his wife and three kids just lounging around the pool. And when Paul is not training, he loves motivating people, teaching them they can achieve anything, if they believe in themselves.
Paul, whose nickname is ‘Rosey’, has four dogs, is an accomplished mimic and loves to entertain people whenever he can.
For additional information on Paul Rosen click here.
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