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By Donna Delaurier_She set records and won gold in Beijing, and when she showed up at Concord Colony school last Friday, Michelle Stilwell captured something else - the hearts of the staff and students.Stilwell, accompanied by her son Kai, thrilled the students, who quized her on everything from her gold medal performances in the Paralympic Games to how she drives a car.Stilwell’s sister-in-law, Nancy Drad, a Stonewall resident and teacher at Concord, arranged for the paralympian to come to the school for lunch and to show the students her medals, and was glad the new celebrity could make time for the students.“I was so happy when she said she’d have time to come to Concord,” Drad said before introducing Stilwell.Stilwell, who won gold in the 100 and 200 metres wheelchair sprints in Beijing, setting records in both with times of 19.97 seconds in the 100 and 36.18 seconds in the 200, was often emotional when answering the students’ questions.She teared up when speaking about her family’s support, and how special it was for her to have them with her in Beijing.“I have lots of people in my life,” she said,with son Kai sitting on her lap.When asked who her biggest inspiration was, she again teared up and pointed to Kai.She said she was elated when she won the gold, but having her family there made it even better.“Having my family there was really special,” she said.“I had the best time of my life.”Competing takes Stilwell away from her family often, and she told the students she’s travelled the world to compete, listing Finland, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Holland, United States and all across Canada as the places she’s been to to race. Stilwell also won gold in the 2000 Paralympics in basketball.When one student asked if she’d be competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games, she said she wasn’t sure. Being away from family so much is difficult, and she said she reevaluates every year. Kai piped up at that point and told her it was OK with him if she competed in 2012, drawing laughs from everyone.Stilwell was warm and accessible to the students, who each read from cards they’d written beforehand to tell her something about themselves and then ask her a question.When one student said his favourite pastime was horseback riding, Stilwell told him she’d have to come back another time and go riding with him.Accident at 17Stilwell was a carefree teenager when she broke her neck. She told the students she had skipped school - something she laughed and said they should never do - and was at her boyfriend’s house. He was giving her apiggyback ride, when she fell backwards with her legs still wrapped around his waisi and broke her neck.She answered several questions abou hAfter about an hour with the students Stilwell - a Winnipeg native who now live in B.C. - was off and running again, thi time for a visit with Winnipeg Mayor Sari Katz.TRAN! MISSIONWhat Is It? The transmission works with the engine to provide power to your car’s wheels. Whether automatic or manual, the transmission plays a major role in the overall dependability of your car. Make sure to check it at the first sign of problems.What Does It Do? A transmission/transaxle keeps the engine’s output optimally matched to the speed and load conditions. The torque converter, connected to the automatic transmission/transaxle input shaft, connects, multiplies and interrupts the flow of engine torque into the transmission. Universal joints connect to the driveshaft to transmit output power from the transmission to the rear axle on rear-wheel-drive cars. Universal joints also allow the driveshaft to work at an angle. Automatic transmission fluid serves a multitude of purposes. It cleans, cools, lubricates, transmits force, transmits pressure, inhibits varnish buildup and continually protects the transmission. There are several different types of auto-a • a • • m • i wv r* «* 1
Newspaper Details
Stonewall Interlake Spectator
Stonewall, Manitoba, CA
Fri, Oct 10, 2008
Page 19
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USA 23 Mar 2020
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