James Binsfeld receives medal for volunteers
By Jon Yaneff

James Binsfeld is seen here with Lt.-Gov. David Onley and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Chan at Friday's ceremony at Queen's Park. Submitted Photo

James Binsfeld of King City was one of 10 young men and women who received the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers for their exceptional contributions at Queen's Park Friday.

Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley presented the medals, as the Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Chan was also involved in the ceremony to honour the volunteers.

"I am pleased to honour the contributions of these admirable young people and I encourage others in this age to get involved," Onley commented, "to embrace volunteerism and community service."

"For National Volunteer Week, this year we are paying tribute to youth volunteers," said Chan. "These 10 young people embody active citizenship in their daily lives and are role models for other youth."

Binsfeld, 23, was born with a severe heart condition and as a toddler, suffered many strokes and now has limited us of his left side.

He is a member and volunteer coach of the alpine downhill ski team for the Para Olympics and the Special Olympics.

"I was told I was supposed to receive the award last year, but couldn't receive it because I was at a downhill skiing training camp," stated Binsfeld.

Binsfeld was also honoured to be seated at Onley's table for lunch after the ceremonies.

"We talked about some of the things he's gone through living in a wheel chair and about his problems through accessibility," said Binsfeld, who sometimes uses a wheel chair.

A disability might discourage others from sports, but Binsfeld has pursued an interest in skiing since he was nineyears old, and has been skiing competitively the last four years. He won silver and bronze medals at the Canadian Nationals in Sun Peaks, B.C. in March. This is the first year he has raced outside of Canada, with two January races in the U.S. He placed in the top 10 at the Huntsman Cup in Utah and the Colorado Open. Prior to that, all of his races in Canada led to podium finishes.

As a certified skiing instructor, Binsfeld volunteers his time at Ontario Trac 3 teaching youth with disabilities the fundamentals of skiing.

"Volunteering is something I do because I like to give back to my community and it makes me feel good that I help younger people," explained Binsfeld. "I was a part of Trac 3 when I was younger and now that I'm older I can teach and give back to that organization. I teach them how to ski and I see the smiles on their faces are on their skis and on the hills."

He also volunteered with Leaders of Tomorrow in 2007, which organizes camps for disabled children in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). He has also volunteered at Camp Presqu'ile near Owen Sound, which is a joint venture summer camp of the YMCA.

For the past two years, he has volunteered many hours as a York Region representative for Easter Seals, where he is involved in fund-raising, awareness training and a mentorship program.

In total 57 young Ontarians have been awarded with the medal for volunteers. The award recipients are selected by an independent advisory council, which is made up of seven members appointed by Premier Dalton McGuinty. The Lieutenant Governor is the honourary chair of the council.

The evening before the ceremony at Queen's Park, Binsfeld was on hand at King Township's annual Volunteer Recognition Night, where he was introduced by Mayor Margaret Black.

"James is an amazing young man," she told the audience, as she commented on his numerous successes. "James is one of my favourite people."