As the CiaO Foundation celebrates ten years of turning challenge into opportunity, we have received some amazing wishes and updates for this pivotal birthday. We have always aimed to showcase the inspiring journeys of the individuals we have been privileged to support. Though this year, especially, we are continuing to see the impact support has had in fuelling recipients to create and inspire even more opportunities for themselves and others.
One of those individuals is Dave Anderson, whose story demonstrates the lasting impact that encouragement, opportunity and determination can have. Since receiving support from the CiaO Foundation, with funding towards a rugby wheelchair, Dave has achieved more than he ever imagined possible. From representing his country on the international stage to helping create opportunities for others, his journey continues to gather momentum.
Dave shared a recent message, on the impact his CiaO grant had;
“Since receiving my award, I have gone on to compete at the Warrior Games in America, the Invictus Games at The Hague. I also took up additional wheelchair sports which led me to playing wheelchair rugby league for Scotland in the World Cup.”
Today, Dave’s focus is not only on personal achievement but on creating opportunities for others.
“I am now completing my coaching qualification for wheelchair rugby and looking to start an adaptive sports club in my area. This will start with Wheelchair rugby and hopefully not long after Wheelchair basketball, I am hoping to bring in other sports from Boccia to curling etc. but I don’t want to run before I can walk.”
Dave’s ambition reflects one of the core values at the heart of the CiaO Foundation: using personal experience to create positive opportunities for others.
With his birthday wish, Dave acknowledged the role that CiaO played in helping him begin this journey.
“Happy Birthday, if it hadn’t been for your support I am not sure how far I might have gone.”
As we celebrate a decade of Challenge Is An Opportunity, Dave’s story reminds us that the impact of support cannot always be measured in a single achievement. Sometimes its true value is seen years later, through the lives inspired, opportunities created and communities strengthened along the way.
From everyone at CiaO, thank you, Dave, for your birthday message, for sharing your story, for inspiring others and for continuing to turn challenge into opportunity.
