St. Marys Bowling Lanes honoured with Certificate of Inclusion from Autism Canada

Hunter Rabidoux, Gerry Brockman, Helen Brockman, Wyatt Rabidoux, Ethan Rabidoux and Tracey Rabidoux pose for a photo after the Rabidoux family read the Brockmans a letter from Autism Canada and presented them with a Certificate of Inclusion.

By Wendy Lamond

Eight-year-old Wyatt Rabidoux is neurodivergent, meaning he is on the autism spectrum. Children who live with autism often struggle with finding a comfortable, safe environment that lets them be themselves and offers them understanding and encouragement.

Thanks to Helen, Gerry and Jesse Brockman at St. Marys Bowling Lanes, Wyatt has found that place.

Wyatt started bowling on Wednesday evenings approximately three years ago and has flourished since then. The Brockmans have gone above and beyond to make sure that Wyatt is welcomed and supported. They offer him one-on-one guidance and a place of belonging. He has built a special bond with Jesse Brockman who spends time with Wyatt at the lanes and has witnessed so much growth in him.

“Wyatt is a great kid with a good sense of humour. He genuinely cares about other people and has been a pleasure to teach. Over the course of the time he has been bowling, his ability to focus has improved,” Jesse Brockman said. “I enjoy the time I get to spend one-on-one with him and love watching him improve with each passing week.”

With all that the Brockmans have done for Wyatt, the Rabidoux’s wanted to do something special for the family. They reached out to Autism Canada and explained how much care the Brockmans have shown them and Wyatt and how they have gone over and above to help him thrive. Autism Canada senior manager of program development and family support Dominique Chabot replied with a beautiful letter and a National Recognition Certificate of Inclusion that was presented to a surprised Gerry and Helen Brockman last Wednesday evening by the Rabidoux family.

“On behalf of Autism Canada, it is with heartfelt appreciation that we recognize the extraordinary kindness, patience and genuine inclusion demonstrated by the team at St. Marys Bowling Lanes,” Chabot wrote.

Wyatt’s parents, Tracey and Ethan Rabidoux, have also noticed a big difference in Wyatt’s concentration and engagement levels after spending time at the bowling lanes and with the Brockmans.

“When Wyatt first started bowling, he struggled completing one game. Now, he can get easily get through two,” Wyatt’s mom, Tracey Rabidoux said.

Wyatt tried other sports like soccer and hockey but didn’t find his niche until he discovered the welcoming environment at the bowling lanes.

Wyatt’s favourite part of the sport is knocking the pins down, he said with a big smile.

The bowling alley is not just another bowling alley for the Rabidouxs. It is a place of comfort and familiarity where the Brockmans and other bowlers make them feel like family.

The Brockmans were very honoured and shocked by this acknowledgement.

Helen Brockman shared that the certificate will be proudly displayed at the bowling lanes.

“What a great recognition for our bowling family because that is what we are here, a family,” Helen Brockman said.