Blog

Tommy in Zoom Autism Magazine

Our family is in Zoom Autism Magazine’s new Issue 11 released today! Whee! On Page 50 and 51 there’s a story I wrote about how, as parents, we found that following Tommy and his big brother Paul’s lead, and honouring and celebrating their passions and strengths has led to happiness and success in their lives. Included … Continue reading “Tommy in Zoom Autism Magazine”

Radio Interview with Mark Sutcliffe on Rogers Ottawa

Para-athlete Tommy Des Brisay and his mom MaryAnn talk about Autism means Friendship shirts Rogers tv Published on Mar 31, 2017 Today, staff at the Bank of Montreal offices in Ottawa, are wearing special t-shirts that say Autism means Friendship. Hear the wonderful story behind this community action from para-athlete Tommy Des Brisay and his … Continue reading “Radio Interview with Mark Sutcliffe on Rogers Ottawa”

Update 2017- Tommy’s Paralympic journey

Tommy’s journey as a Para Athlete has really taken off! Each step of the way, his exciting journey is documented on his YouTube channel. Here are some recent highlights: In 2017: Selected by Athletics Canada as a Paralympic hopeful for Tokyo 2020, in January and February 2017, Tommy trained at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. He … Continue reading “Update 2017- Tommy’s Paralympic journey”

A training partner’s blog about getting to know Tommy at Chula Vista

At the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, Tommy Des Brisay had the amazing experience of training with some of the fastest, most dedicated and wonderful runners from all over Canada! One of his new friends was Sasha Gollish, Canada’s current Women’s Cross Country running champion. Here Facebook page is Sasha Gollish. She is … Continue reading “A training partner’s blog about getting to know Tommy at Chula Vista”

Tommy’s Disney “affinity” shared by Owen Suskind and so many others

February 26 2017 “On the movie screen, forty feet tall, Owen seems like one in a million. We believe he is one among millions, whose powerful interests are as varied as stars in the sky, and whose potential remains largely untapped. Let’s tap it together.” Ron Suskind, Owen’s dad, in his blog post talking about … Continue reading “Tommy’s Disney “affinity” shared by Owen Suskind and so many others”

Tommy at Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, California

February 19 2017 We are back home in Ottawa! Tommy was in California for a long time! He was in Chula Vista at the Olympic Training Center from Jan 21 to Feb 9. He made new amazing friends, trained very hard, and learned many incredibly valuable things on this part of his journey as a … Continue reading “Tommy at Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, California”

Visiting Disneyland, 20 years after first attempt at age 5

February 12 2017 20 years ago, Tommy visited Disneyland at age 5 while in California for Autism therapy in 1997, but things didn’t go well at all. After about 2 hours of meltdown, we had to leave the park. The Casey Junior train was closed for renovation, and Tommy saw it but didn’t understand that … Continue reading “Visiting Disneyland, 20 years after first attempt at age 5”

Tommy wins Running-Road Racing award- Ottawa Sports Award 3rd time

February 2 2017 For the 3rd year in a row, Tommy Des Brisay won the award in Running- Road Racing at the Ottawa Sports Awards banquet last night here in Ottawa. Because Tommy is training right now at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, he wasn’t there to receive the award. But Tommy … Continue reading “Tommy wins Running-Road Racing award- Ottawa Sports Award 3rd time”

Whee! Off to California to the Olympic Training Center!

January 21 2017 At 5:45 this morning, Tommy’s flight took off, taking him on his next amazing adventure! Tommy is going to California! Whee! He was selected as a Paralympic hopeful for Tokyo 2020, and invited to train at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center in San Diego for three weeks! Then he will visit … Continue reading “Whee! Off to California to the Olympic Training Center!”