Sukhdev Singh Sanghera's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Despite being paraplegic since birth due to a spinal cord injury, Sukhi's life story is defined by his unwavering perseverance and his ability to thrive in the face of adversity.
Immigrating to Canada from London, England, at the age of thirteen, Sukhi faced numerous challenges during this transition. Battling pressure sores and undergoing a skin graft at Children's Hospital due to complications from his condition, Sukhi's early years in Canada were marked by medical struggles and the need for rehabilitation. However, with the support of his parents, Karnail and Gurdev Sanghera, family, and medical professionals, Sukhi overcame these obstacles and embarked on a journey of independence and self-discovery.
Despite setbacks such as breaking his leg while learning to use a body brace for support, Sukhi remained determined to live a full and active life. Repeating grades 7 and 8 in special classes to catch up academically, Sukhi's perseverance paid off as he successfully graduated and pursued further post-secondary education.
Sukhi's professional journey at BC Liquor is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Starting as a co-op student, Sukhi's passion for computer technology led him to excel in various roles within the organization. From desktop support to data analysis, Sukhi's twenty-five-year tenure at BC Liquor is a testament to his resilience and adaptability in the workplace.
“Success is when I get the inner feeling that I have accomplished what I set out to do. It’s that good feeling inside a person that can’t be explained or taught, but just experienced. Success is not money, but loving family and friends unconditionally.”, highlights Sukhi. Inspired and mentored by his brother Dr. Jasbinder Sanghera, Sukhi lives with his sister-in-law, Kuljit Sanghera, and nephew, Mankaran Sanghera. He finds unwavering support from his loved ones, including his grandchildren, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, and sister, Pam Natt, forming the cornerstone of his close-knit family.
An accomplished athlete and advocate for wheelchair sports, participating in events such as the Swiss Wheely Open in Switzerland showcases Sukhi’s passion for wheelchair floorball and determination to push boundaries and defy expectations. Sukhi shares, “It's an honor to participate in such a tournament and represent Canada at a high level.” To date, the superstar has won 15 medals and 4 trophies in wheelchair sports. Sukhi also raises awareness about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports.
As Sukhi celebrates his fiftieth birthday, his journey serves as an inspiration to us all. Sukhi reminds us that with perseverance, anything is possible, “Believe in yourself when setting goals. If you get discouraged in any way, rather than being mad, believe in God. Somehow, there will be a way to overcome whatever it is….just wait!”
