Twelve-year-old Carter Morrison-who represented Canada and Ronald McDonald Houses at the 2016 Olympic Games opening ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro this summer- was honoured by the Province of Saskatchewan, as he joined Saskatchewan's Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches and Games representatives at the Legislature in Regina on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Carter, who was born with achondroplasia, has spent time in Ronald McDonald Houses in each of the prairie provinces since he was a baby and continues to do so, as a result of his medical condition. The charity sent nearly 100 children and young people from around the world to represent Ronald McDonald Houses to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, with only five selected from Canada. Of those five Canadians, Carter was the only young person who was asked outright to represent the charity at the XXXI Olympiad.
Along with Team Canada flagbearer and Canadian Olympic gold medallist Rosie MacLennan, Carter led Team Canada into Rio de Janeiro's 80,000-seat Maracana Stadium for the 2016 Olympic Games opening ceremony, watched by a global audience numbering in the billions. He reprised his role in Rio as he led Saskatchewan's Olympians into the Legislature for their day of celebration by the province.
Carter's day at the Legislature also included a trip to the Legislative Assembly's library, where he joined other Saskatchewan residents who represented the province-and country-in Rio. After a photo shoot, the group went upstairs, where they autographed copies of a commemorative booklet produced in their honour for school kids in attendance and others.
Carter-who was accompanied my his parents Trevor and Lisa Morrison and sister, Makenna- said a highlight of his day was meeting Paralympic bronze medallist, Logan Campbell of Saskatoon. Campbell, who lost his hand in a boating accident, captured the bronze medal for sailing at the Paralympic Games in Rio.
“Me and my mom saw him,” says Carter. “We just started talking to each other and I got to hold his bronze medal. It was pretty amazing. The whole day was fun and amazing.”
“Carter was thrilled to hold that bronze medal,” says Lisa. “After that, there was a ceremony in the rotunda and lunch. Then Carter went into Question Period and (Cannington MLA) Dan D'Autremont introduced him.”
D'Autremont said: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my pleasure to introduce to you and through you to the Assembly, Carter Morrision to the Legislative Assembly. He was only one of five Canadians selected by the Ronald McDonald House Charities to act as a tree-bearer during the Parade of Nations. Carter walked alongside Canada's flag-bearer, carrying a tree sapling which represented the environmentally-conscious theme of the opening ceremonies.”
“Carter is certainly a role model and was selected for his perseverance and cheerful demeanour while staying in Ronald McDonald House. Please join me in welcoming Carter to his Legislative Assembly.”
Also in attendance to honour Carter was Tammy Forrester, CEO of Ronald McDonald House, Saskatchewan.
“We were so happy to have Tammy there,” says Lisa. “Trevor and I were very honoured that Carter was included in such a special day. It's just overwhelming, all of it.”
“But the whole purpose is not just about Carter. It's bigger than that and that's what overwhelms me. It's how he can bring awareness to the work that Ronald McDonald House does around the world just be being who he is.”
