Three locals recognized by Governor General
Creating a better and more understanding society for young people to flourish, succeed and be accepted are what three Windsorites honoured by the Governor General in Ottawa this past week have in common.
Olympic boxer Mary Spencer and Nancy and Rob Campana were among a select group of Canadians presented with meritorious service medals by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette.
The awards were established “to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud,” according to the Queen’s representative in Canada.
Following the death of their son Rocky, the Campanas founded the Run for Rocky, a five-kilometre run that promotes gay-straight alliances and raises awareness of issues surrounding youth mental health, bullying and suicide. In five years, with the last event held this year, Run for Rocky raised $383,000.
According to their decoration citation, “The couple’s positive attitude and spirit of co-operation have inspired change in the community’s awareness of LGBTQ lifestyles and have shown families how to support their questioning youth and children.”
Mary Spencer was the first Canadian female athlete and the first Indigenous female in history to compete in Olympic boxing.
“She now uses her success in the ring as a platform to mentor young athletes and Indigenous youth,” according to her citation. “Her determination and her emphasis on active, healthy living encourage young people to dream big and to reach their full potential.”
Spencer is listed as being from Kashechewan and Wiarton, but she got her boxing start in Windsor and came to prominence as a member of the Windsor Amateur Boxing Club. A gold medal winner at the 2011 Pan Am Games, she brought the flame for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto to Windsor that summer.
The acts of the recipients of the Meritorious Service Decorations “are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community,” according to the Governor General’s office. “The best candidates are those who inspire others through their motivation to find solutions to specific and pressing needs or provide an important service to their community or country.”