Simon Ibell
Advocate for Human Potential and Inspirational Speaker
A truly remarkable and inspirational individual, Simon Ibell is an advocate for Human Potential and a Role Model for Persons with Disabilities. Ibell’s condition, known as MPS II (mucopolysacharridosis) or Hunter Syndrome, is rare and is the result of an enzyme deficiency, which effects most of his major organs, his joints, and is both painful and debilitating. Living with MPS II has taught Ibell that every moment of life is precious. He continues to learn how people perceive and handle disabilities and he uses this knowledge to lower the barriers and help bring about change.
A truly remarkable and inspirational individual, Simon Ibell is an advocate for Human Potential and a Role Model for Persons with Disabilities. Ibell’s condition, known as MPS II (mucopolysacharridosis) or Hunter Syndrome, is rare and is the result of an enzyme deficiency, which effects most of his major organs, his joints, and is both painful and debilitating. However, debilitating does not enter into Ibell’s vocabulary; he refuses to allow this progressive disorder to deter him and in so doing he has defied all medical predictions and surpassed all expectations.
Living with MPS II has taught Ibell that every moment of life is precious. Taking a leaf from Gandhi, Simon lives everyday like it’s his last, and learns everyday like he will live forever. He continues to learn how people perceive and handle disabilities and he uses this knowledge to lower the barriers and help bring about change. Ibell’s two missions in life consist of helping to fund research into MPS, and to deliver a message to the world that differences are not deficiencies.
In the summer of 2002, Ibell raised awareness and funds for MPS with his Bike 4 MPS odyssey. For his efforts with Bike 4 MPS, he was awarded the Spirit of Sport Story of the Year Award at the 2003 Canadian Sport Awards and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal. On his ride, Ibell was accompanied by numerous family and friends such as NBA MVP Steve Nash, Olympic Triathlon gold medallist Simon Whitfield, and world champion mountain biker Roland Green. Ibell’s advocacy efforts continue through his iBellieve Foundation.
Ibell received his degree in Sports Administration at the University of Victoria in June 2002. While the effects of MPS meant he could no longer compete as a player, he was an integral member of the UVIC men’s basketball team as team manager. After winning a National Championship, Ibell continued his involvement with basketball and worked with the Canadian National Team as Assistant Manager for four summers.
Ibell compares his survival to sport: often competing against the impossible and winning a personal goal. He has inspired hundreds of students and teachers with his courage, determination, compassion, and respect.
On first meeting Ibell, deficiency is not a word that ever comes to mind. Whether listening to him on the podium, on the coaching team, or in conversation, all have left feeling better about themselves and richer for the experience.
For more information on Simon's work and the iBellieve Foundation, click here.
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A true motivator, Simon embodies and epitomizes trust and respect. He has the delicate balance that encourages and allows people to believe in themselves. His understanding of human frailty and spirit attracts people to him. He has an incredible attitude and the capacity to influence the mind and move the body that has resulted in quite ordinary people doing quite extraordinary things. Every moment spent in Simon's company is a true investment.
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Simon is an optimist and he refuses to allow negativity to be a part of his life. He is a person I look up to.
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