A Journey of
Achievement and Pride
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
April 16, 2007
Contact:
Pamela C. Clark, Ed.D.
(W) 276-656-0290
(F) 276-656-0261
(C) 540-520-8468
Miss
Buddy C. Hayes of Chesapeake,
Virginia
Crowned
New Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2007-2008
Born in Fremont Nebraska,
Buddy now resides in Chesapeake,
Virginia with her service dog -
and sidekick - Ellie. An obviously
determined, motivated, and funny woman with a zest for life, Buddy is a highly
active advocate for persons with disabilities who serves on various boards.
Furthermore, she is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, a member
of the PVA, and a national motivational speaker.
Winning two marathons, two half marathons, and five gold medals she is a driven
competitor. Buddy’s busy life is rounded
out by volunteering her time and talents to a long list of organizations
including, the National MS Foundation, the Chesapeake Mayors Board for Persons
with Disabilities to which she is the acting Chairman of the Board.
This year’s main event was hosted at the Woodrow Wilson
Rehabilitation Center
in Fishersville, VA
with Friday night’s activities being held at the P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro. It was a full
weekend of activity and competition followed up by an enchanting evening of
excitement as 9 contestants from across the Commonwealth came to vie for the
title of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. Ellen Shackelford of Hampton, VA was 1st
runner up, Doris Waugh of Orange was 2nd runner up, and India Sims from
Crozet won the Scholarship award and voted Ms. Congeniality by her fellow
contestants!
Buddy
will be competing (along with her sidekick “Ellie”) in the National Ms.
Wheelchair America Program
this July in Maryland
**********************
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia is a non-profit
organization that focuses on the accomplishments of Virginians with
disabilities. Our mission is to educate, advocate and raise awareness of the
abilities and needs of the disability community; but more importantly, to
inspire and motivate Virginians as role models of courage and hope.
To learn more about the program, and check out the all
the upcoming highlights and photos from this year’s event, please visit our
website at www.mswheelchairva.com