Her lengthy list of career accomplishments needs an update.
Spallumcheen wheelchair curler Ina Forrest is one of three people set to be inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Thursday, Oct. 9, in Toronto.
"I am very honoured to be selected by the foundation as I know they would have a large number of very talented Canadian athletes to consider," said Forrest in a text message from Toronto. "The foundation has been such a wonderful supporter of Paralympic athletes throughout my years of curling. Being in their Hall of Fame is a very special award."
The hall of fame falls under the auspices of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons.
"Inductees into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame are recognized not only for their outstanding personal and professional accomplishments but also for their dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities," said the foundation. "These individuals have emerged as powerful change-makers and advocates, creating a lasting impact across Canada and internationally
Forrest is being inducted into the Athlete wing. And why wouldn't she be? She is a curler of international renown.
She has been a key member of Canada’s National Wheelchair Curling Team since 2007, competing in four Paralympic Games and 15 World Championships. Forrest has helped Canada earn four Paralympic medals (two gold, two bronze) and six World Championship medals (three gold, three silver). She has also represented Team B.C., winning four national medals (two silver, two bronze).
Recognized for her remarkable achievements, she received the Top Canadian Female Athlete Award from the Canadian Paralympic Committee after Sochi (Russia) 2014 and was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 2016.
At the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, Forrest was named Canada's Flag Bearer for the Opening Ceremonies. Committed to giving back, she has supported Plan International since the 1980s and was elected to the Canadian Paralympic Committee Athlete Council in 2020.
Joining Forrest in the Class of 2025 are builder Tom Chau and achiever Kevin J. Collins.
Chau is a senior scientist and Raymond Chang Foundation Chair in Access Innovations at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and a professor at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering.
His research explores novel access pathways to facilitate communication for children and youth with severe physical impairments.
Collins is the president and CEO of Easter Seals Ontario. Born with cerebral palsy, he was the Orillian (Ont.) Kiwanis Club Easters Seals ambassador from 1973-75, and provincial ambassador in 1976. He has spoken at nearly 1,000 events to raise awareness. He continues today to to increase opportunities for children and youth with physical disabilities.
“The 2025 inductees to the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame have distinguished themselves through extraordinary achievements and meaningful contributions to the lives of people with disabilities,” said David Crombie, chair of the CDHF Selection Board since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 1994. “Each year, the exceptional quality of nominees makes it increasingly challenging for our selection board to choose just one inductee per category. We warmly congratulate all inductees and nominees for their incredible accomplishments.”
The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame is the only place in Canada that permanently recognizes people living with disabilities and those who enrich their lives.
Forrest, Chau, and Collins join a prestigious community of 129 past inductees honoured over more than three decades.
The official ceremony will take place during the 32nd Annual Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon presented by CIBC at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Forrest's former B.C. and Canadian wheelchair curling teammate Sonja Gaudet of Vernon was inducted Wednesday, Oct. 8, into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame.
