Miles Checkley
Miles is a 16-year-old with a love of sports, an inquisitive mind, and a determined spirit. Born with cerebral palsy, he uses a power wheelchair to get around, but it has not slowed him down in pursuing his many passions and ambitions.
Currently in Grade 11, Miles has set his sights on a career in sports broadcasting. He is already laying the groundwork, spending much of his spare time watching and learning about sports, especially baseball. But Miles’ curiosity extends beyond sports, as he enjoys studying history and learning different languages — he can even sing 30 national anthems!
Outside of school and sports, you are likely to find Miles playing on his Xbox, messaging his friends, or taking his French water dog Jacksey for a walk with his twin brother, Elliott. In the summer months, one of Miles’ favourite activities is spending time at Easter Seals Ontario’s accessible summer camps. Having attended camp for nine years, Miles is on track to achieve his WEC-ade this summer when he completes his tenth year at Camp Woodeden!
In his new role as a 2026 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Miles is excited to meet new people, raise awareness, and advocate for kids with disabilities. “I think it’s important that people focus on what someone can do, rather than what they can’t,” he shares. “Everyone can participate; some may just do things differently.” He also hopes to inspire other young people with disabilities, encouraging them to speak up for themselves and pursue their passions: “I want kids to know they don’t have to let a disability stop them from doing the things they love.”
Natalie Kavtaradze
Natalie is a 15-year-old with a strong sense of purpose and a passion for advocacy. She’s in Grade 10 and aspires to be a human rights lawyer, so she can champion the needs of others.
Natalie was born with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, which affects her balance, muscle control, and motor skills. While navigating crowded spaces and walking long distances can sometimes be challenging for Natalie, in the water she glides like a fish.
Natalie is a competitive para swimmer who finds joy and confidence in the sport. When she is not splashing around a pool, you might find her cooking, baking, reading, sewing, or hanging out with her twin sister, Sophie.
Beyond swimming and her many personal interests, Natalie has also found a strong sense of belonging through Easter Seals Ontario’s accessible camps. Over the past three summers at Camp Woodeden, she has built a collection of treasured memories and lasting connections, including friendships with some of our recent Ambassadors.
In her new role as a 2026 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Natalie is hoping to promote inclusion and understanding while also inspiring other young people with physical disabilities. “I am proud of who I am,” shares Natalie. “I want to help other kids understand that their disability does not define them and it should not limit their dreams.”
“As an Ambassador, I am hoping to become more confident in my voice, strengthen my leadership and advocacy skills, and create positive change,” continues Natalie. “By sharing my story, I want to help others see disability with more understanding and less judgment, and let kids with disabilities and their families know they are not alone. I hope to show them that opening up about their condition or their journey will be met with support, and that their voices deserve to be heard.”