The civil war in Ethiopia forced Ted from a promising professional and sports career to the Sudan, then to Kenya, and finally to Canada as a refugee in 1982 at the age of 27.
“I had seen pictures of Canada, but landing in Calgary and going on to Regina in March was entirely different from what I expected,” says Ted. “Winter still has a strong grip on the Prairies at that time of year!”
Without family in Canada at the time, Ted made his way on his own, one of the few immigrants from Africa at the time. He became a Canadian citizen in 1985, has worked for the Canada Revenue Agency since 1991, and has become an icon in the Canadian running community, winning numerous races over the last 15 years. In fact, Ted has been ranked 7th in the world as a Master’s long distance runner, was Saskatchewan’s Sports Athlete of the Year in 1997, and was inducted into Saskatchewan’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Now he coaches the University of Regina men’s track and field and cross country teams.
“Sports gave me the chance to free myself from negative things around me,” he says. “It also gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of people from different backgrounds, because the sports community is so diverse.”
The lessons learned from running are an important part of the message Ted brings to youth and newcomers to Canada.
“Sports brings people together, and especially for youth new to Canada, it fosters a sense of place and can help them overcome feelings of inferiority…any young person who comes here who has the opportunity to participate in sports should do it,” he says.
Service to community is another guiding principle for Ted and he brings energy and personal messages based on his experiences to nearly anyone who asks.
“I tell newcomers to get involved, to volunteer, and to find out how the Canadian system can work for them,” he says. “There is no lack of opportunity here if you work hard.”
A key part of that, says Ted, is depending on yourself. Learn the first time from someone else, no matter what it is, and then do it yourself.
With an outstanding athletic career, a long history of community service and a dedicated professional career in the public service, Ted’s life lessons are now benefiting new generations and newcomers to Canada with a clear message about never giving up, and never saying no.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
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