Champion Mindset: Russell Cecchini

Our very own Russell Cecchini was inducted into the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) Hall of Fame on November 24, 2025, for his accomplishments in athletics, boccia and swimming!

As one of the cofounders of OFP's ComputerWise program, his legacy is a powerful one, and we could not be more proud of our friend and colleague, Russ! Congratulations!

Below, we are thrilled to share his biography from the CCPSA Hall of Fame Website (https://ccpsa.ca/en/sports/hall-of-fame/russell-cecchini/):

Russell Cecchini is a trailblazer in Canadian sport for athletes with cerebral palsy, recognized for his groundbreaking achievements, athletic excellence, and lifelong commitment to inclusion and innovation. He was officially inducted into the CCPSA Hall of Fame in the Athlete category on November 28, 2025, during the closing banquet of the Boccia National Championships in Ottawa—an especially meaningful moment celebrated in front of a home crowd of athletes, coaches, families, and supporters.

Russell’s journey began at a time when opportunities for persons with disabilities were limited. Despite these barriers, he quickly distinguished himself through determination, creativity, and an unmistakable competitive spirit. His world expanded with the introduction of Blissymbolics, a communication system that enabled him to express his humour, intelligence, and drive—laying the foundation for his future success both in sport and in life.

A key figure in the early development of CP sport in Ontario, Russell competed in track events, swimming, and later boccia. His talent earned him a place on Team Canada at the first-ever 1984 Paralympic Games for athletes with cerebral palsy in New York, where he won silver in CP1 boccia and bronze in the 25-metre freestyle swimming event. These historic results established him among Canada’s earliest Paralympic medalists in these disciplines.

Beyond competition, Russell helped shape the evolution of boccia in Canada by embracing and developing adaptations that broadened participation for athletes with more significant physical impairments. His innovative spirit extended off the field as well. In 1985, he founded ComputerWise, a company specializing in adaptive technology. Using head-pointer input and 3D modelling, he created tools that enhanced autonomy and accessibility for people with disabilities—further cementing his legacy as a leader in inclusion and design.

Longtime coach Kim Morgan, who first met Russell at the Rideau Regional Centre, describes him as a pioneer whose enthusiasm, competitive fire, and sense of humour helped define the early era of CP sport in Canada and inspired countless athletes who followed.

Reflecting on his induction, Russell shared his gratitude:“I want to express my gratitude to my family, my coaches, and the community for being part of my journey over the years. Having them with me along the way has helped shape the person I am today, and I wish great success to all current and future athletes in this sport.”

Today, Russell resides in Ottawa and remains connected to the boccia community. His influence continues to be felt across generations of athletes, and his induction into the CCPSA Hall of Fame honours not only his remarkable achievements but the enduring legacy he built for the sport in Canada.