The Arthur D. Stairs Award was created in 1961 and is awarded annually by Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) to a paraplegic that has served as a role model to others while using their own person courage, self-confidence and energy to overcome the results of their own spinal cord injury. The 2001 winner of this award was Barry Patriquin.

Barry Patriquin became a T-4 paraplegic as the result of a motor vehicle crash in 1981. He readily admits he did not adjust well to his injury and to life in rural Nova Scotia.

His life changed when he moved to Toronto. With the assistance of supportive friends and the involvement of Canadian Paraplegic Association he began to realize there was life after spinal cord injury.

He returned to school and eventually began working in the offices of Canadian Paraplegic Association. He continued to study and went on to other jobs.

During this time he became involved in wheelchair sports. This inspired him to go further. He began with wheelchair basketball but soon found his love in track events. Racing became a passion.

After an unsuccessful attempt to make the 1996 Paralympic Team he vowed to work harder. His dedication to school, work and sport paid off. He made the 2000 Canadian Paralympic Team and won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 relay.

He is a nationally and world ranked athlete and is the pride of Oxford, Nova Scotia.

He wortk ethic and determination have made him a role model to his peers. He is a worthy recipient of the Arthur D. Stairs Award of Merit.