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Bobbi-Jo Slusar

 

Swift Current's Bobbi-Jo Slulsar is among the athletes joinin the RBC Olympians program this year.

The program was designed to provide athletes an opportunity to gain career-oriented experience alongside a flexible work schedule, giving them the time necessary to train and compete. This year they are also providing each Olympian with a grant that they can give to an organization of their choosing which has had a significant impact on their life.

Slusar has one group in mind.

"The wheelchair hockey that myself and Larry Johnson put together is something I'm very passionate about," Slusar said. "It inspires me every day to go on the ice."

Slusar and Johnson started organizing local wheelchair hockey while she was injured and couldn't compete in the 2010 Olympics. A car crash that impacted several people she knew encouraged her to take action.

"I was really upset after the Vancouver Olympics... I was kind of feeling sorry for myself," Slusar said. "Sometimes perspective is a really great thing."

Slusar says the crash inspired her to want to give back to her community. The wheelchair hockey now runs whenever the group can get together and find some available ice.

Being a part of the RBC Olympians program also allowed Slusar to connect with former and future Olympians from a large variety of sports as part of a three day training session.

Slusar's injuries are all healed now and she was able to participate in her first Women's World Championship tournament last season. She is joining back up with the national team on Friday to leave for the Four Nation's Cup in Sweden.

When not playing for the national team, Slusar is part of Alberta's roster in the Canadian Women's Hockey League. They are the first western team in the league that also includes Toronto, Montreal, Burlington, Brampton and Boston.

Interview with Bobbi-Jo Slusar Part 1:


Part 2:


Click here for Slusar's Hockey Canada profile

Click here for more on the Canadian Women's Hockey League