A former Sundre resident who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age has not allowed the condition to discourage him from following his dreams and leading a fulfilling life.
William Scott, who goes by the name Scotty, once worked at the local IGA for several years and graduated from Sundre High School in 2013 after which he took a meat-processing course at Olds College. In his spare time, the positive and upbeat 24-year-old has since pursued a career in soccer that has culminated in his qualifying to play with the Canadian Men’s National Paralympic Soccer team in the World Cup in Spain this July.
“I’ve always been an athlete,” he said during a phone interview while taking a break from work when asked what inspired him to play competitively.
“Being born with cerebral palsy made it a challenge but I’ve always enjoyed sports.”
Growing up in Sundre, Scott recalls being the only student with cerebral palsy. But that wasn’t about to stop him from giving the others a run for their money.
“I don’t see cerebral palsy as a disability,” said Scott, adding he loves being able to test himself.
He is the second youngest of five children. All of his siblings are also athletes, which further motivated him along a path that eventually led him to play sledge hockey. It was during a match last September that he was scouted and subsequently recruited to play soccer with the national team after a tryout, he said.
That success opened the door to competing in Ecuador last October for the Copa America Cup — his first major international event — which further paved the way for his impending trip to Spain. The competitive nature of the sport fuels his passion, said Scott, who plays forward.
Overcoming a hurdle such as cerebral palsy — which ranges in severity from hard to notice physical symptoms to others who can’t leave medical care — in large part comes down to one’s mentality and outlook, he said.
“My big thing is, just do what you want. Don’t ever let anyone else tell you different,” he said.
“Stick to your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can do — you’re the only one who can decide…I like to say to people, whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re right. You got to believe in yourself.”
Regardless of one’s circumstances, self-confidence is critical, he said.
“It’s mind over matter. You can be the most completely able-bodied person but without the correct perception of reality and the right mindset, you can still be the most disabled.”
With the experience of the Ecuador competition under his belt, Scott said he is not as nervous or excited this time around, but is rather committed to helping his team bring home a gold medal.
“That’s all I’m focused on.”
His busy schedule, which includes working in the meat department at a Sobey’s in Calgary, has to date delayed him from offering life coaching for youths who are also diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Scott nevertheless hopes to become involved in such initiatives before long.
When reminiscing about his time in Sundre, Scott said he most misses the community and the people he got to know during his time there, many of whom became friends, as well as the closer connection to nature.
Scott’s mother, Sherri Smith, said he was born two months early weighing only three pounds and was diagnosed at 13 months with a form of cerebral palsy known as spastic diplegia.
“It’s considered a mild case of cerebral palsy which only affects the lower extremities from the waist down,” she said.
Over the years, he endured a number of surgical procedures to remove spastic muscles from his back and legs, and she said she could not be more proud of his passion, commitment and success.
“His disability has really strengthened him,” she said, remembering a fearless boy who once rode horses in Sundre and even tested his mettle in mutton busting at the pro rodeo.
“I’ll always say that Scotty was chosen to have a disability like that. He is now using his disability to get further in life. What’s happening with him right now is absolutely amazing.”
Also an avid reader, Scotty cancelled his television service, preferring instead to dive into inspirational books, she said, adding he exudes a friendly attitude.
“He has an infectious smile,” she said.
Even though years have passed since Scotty last saw his former employer at the local IGA, Marty Mennear seemed to agree with Sherri.
“I always remember him for his smile,” said Mennear.
“He had the best smile in the store.”
Recalling a “very friendly, outgoing kid” who “always looked very happy”, Mennear added, “I don’t think I remember a day when I didn’t see a smile on his face.”
Scott’s former boss also hailed his strong work ethic.
“He’s just an all-around good kid.”
