Here she is…Ms. Wheelchair America 2009

Congratulations to Michelle Colvard, who was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2009 last night at a gala ceremony held in Rockville, Md.  Colvard represented her state of Texas during this past week of pageant activities.  She is someone from Houston who uses a wheelchair as a result of being born with spina bifida.

From July 21-27, the twenty-five participating contestants had a chance to tour Maryland sites, meet new friends, wear poodle skirts to a 50s-theme night, attend workshops on disability issues, present displays on their home states and give memorable platform speeches.  Colvard took the MWA title on July 26, the 18^th anniversary of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act into law.

Established in 1972, the mission of the Ms. Wheelchair America organization is "to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 52 million Americans living with disabilities."

During her year-long reign, one of the messages Colvard will be promoting is the importance of physical fitness for people with disabilities.  On her online contestant profile, the words, "passionate," "intellectual," "adventurous," "athletic" and "competitive" are the descriptors that reflect her self-perception.

Colvard is someone who said she enjoys wheelchair basketball, swimming, kayaking, snow skiing and racing her MINI Cooper in autocross competitions.  Her full-time employment is serving as the executive director for the Houston's Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

It appears Colvard may be the first Ms. Wheelchair America who will get to be in the Rose Parade as opposed to merely attending the event.  If all goes as planned, she will be riding the Kiwanis float.

Congratulations again, MWA 2009 Michelle Colvard and first runner up Ms. Wheelchair California Shannon Coe.