Jonathon Phillips

Hailing from a small town called McAdam, New Brunswick, Johnathon Phillips came to Fort McMurray in 2009. His father had moved to the region in 2008; Johnathon followed closely behind, waiting to finish high school before making the move.

Johnathon had a joyful upbringing. He got along with his younger sister, with only the occasional sibling arguments, and he had great relationships with his parents. If Johnathon ever had trouble in school he knew he could count on his mom to help him out in any way he needed. Johnathon is also thankful for the support of his school teachers, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind & the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority. “They gave me the tools I need to be successful.”

Growing up legally blind gave Johnathon his fair share of obstacles to overcome but with a strong support system, and his own determination, he has been able to find success in his life. No matter what is going on in his life, you would be hard pressed to find a sporting event in our region that aJohnathon isn’t at. Even when commuting around the city is hard because the snow is making the buses late, Johnathon isn’t missing a game.

Johnathon is the timekeeper for men’s league hockey, he helped out with the Alberta Winter Games, announcing and playing music, and he used to time keep for the Keyano Huskies Hockey teams. He loves attending the Fort McMurray Oil Barons hockey games, Fort McMurray Giants baseball games! Johnathon is a huge supporter of the sports community in Fort McMurray and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.