Joanne McDonald – Athlete

Inducted November 20, 1993

Joanne McDonald began her involvement and success as an athlete in Wheelchair sports in 1973 as she won the bronze medal in table tennis in a national competition in Vancouver, B.C. This would be the start of a career which would also involve the sports of Basketball, Slalom and Track.

Joanne competed all over the world in National Wheelchair Games and in Olympiads for Athletes with Disabilities throughout Canada, Europe and South America. Being a fierce competitor she had success in many competitions. To name a few she won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in most events she played from 1974 to 1982. In 1984, her final international competition before being sidelined due to a chronic shoulder injury, she competed in England at the Olympiad for Athletes with Disabilities helping Canada place 4th in Basketball.

Locally and nationally she was honoured for her achievements. A few notable awards were the Newfoundland and Labrador Wheelchair Sports Association Provincial Female Athlete of the Year from 1973 to 1979, the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association Athlete of the Year in 1976, the Newfoundland and Labrador Female Athlete of the Year in 1978 and in 1980 being named the Newfoundland and Labrador Athlete of the 70’s.

Joanne worked hard to develop wheelchair sports as she held positions in the local wheelchair sport organizations. She was a tireless fund raiser, responded to all community requests and was a guest speaker at numerous events. Joanne’s love of competition, her community involvement, and her dedication to wheelchair sport have all left a lasting legacy in the world of sport throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.