With the 2016 Rio Olympics winding down and the Paralympic Games set to begin, Aries Contracting is taking the lead on supporting an incredible athlete’s dream of winning gold. 

Born without a left hand, Aurélie Rivard is disabled. That though is the world’s perception, not hers. She loves her body and embraces it just the way it is. In reality, she is not disabled, this is simply who she is. What an inspiration to us as contractors who work with both our hands every day.

Aurélie made her first major international breakthrough at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London at 16 years of age and went on to collect seven medals (six gold and one silver) including a world record performance in the 100-m freestyle at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games. Now 20, she is one of the top para-swimmers in the world and is set to compete and challenge for the podium in 8 events at the Paralympics.

Getting to Rio hasn’t come easy. There are no short cuts. Aurélie trains eight hours a day, 6 days a week, including 42 hours in the pool plus weight training, dryland and a strict nutritional program. Heading into the Games, she has a badly torn shoulder muscle. Her other shoulder is showing the same signs from the wear and tear of a gruelling training program. She is pushing through the pain to accomplish her dream. Surgery delayed. Gutsy. 

In many ways, Aurélie is an example for our company and perhaps the contracting industry as a whole. Up early every day, hard working, dedicated to excellence. Then up again the next day to do it all again, relentlessly. Despite personal challenges and life’s set backs, driven to perfection. 

As we watch and cheer on our Olympians during the Rio Olympic Games in August, Aries Contracting is going to live vicariously with Aurélie Rivard through her final stages of preparation for the Paralympic Games. When we go to work we’ll be thinking of her. To really make a difference and be part of her Paralympic journey, we are going to raise some funds to help cover her mounting expenses.

Aurélie Rivard month at Aries Contracting!

We all hear about how expensive it is to chase an Olympic or Paralympic medal, for Aurélie its no exception. The government funding she receives is minimal. We’ve decided to help out. Please join us if you can. A portion of all Aries contracts in August and September will be set aside toward a goal of raising $10,000 to cover her costs. To get to that number and perhaps beyond, please join us and be included in this inspirational program.

To meet Aurélie please watch her CBC video embedded above and follow her on social media!

Twitter - @AurelieRivard
Instagram - @aurelierivard

Cheer her on with us in September when she competes in all eight Paralympic events in Rio!

All the best,

Keith Kennedy
President, Aries Contracting