MONTRÉAL — Andrew Lawlor of Fredericton, N.B., has been named the first recipient of the Hal Merrill Community Impact Award, presented at the 2025 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships.

Named in honour of the late Hal Merrill — a beloved figure in the parasport world — the award celebrates individuals who uplift those around them through kindness, connection and a lasting commitment to the parasport community.

Merrill was a pioneering Canadian Paralympian who left a lasting impact on the world of para sport. Born in Fredericton, he rose to prominence as a world-class para athletics athlete. He made his Paralympic debut at the Barcelona 1992 Games, winning bronze medals in both the men’s shot put and javelin events. He added a third bronze in shot put at Atlanta 1996, solidifying his place among Canada’s most accomplished para throwers.

Beyond para athletics, Merrill played a key role in the development of wheelchair rugby in New Brunswick. He was known for his humility, leadership and dedication to building inclusive sport communities. A tireless mentor and advocate, he inspired generations of athletes and championed accessibility in sport across the country.

“Hal, better known on the court as ‘Maddog’, made it his mission to connect with every rookie, whether it was their very first Nationals or the first time they sat in a rugby chair. He had a way of making everyone feel instantly welcome,” said Parasport New Brunswick director Sally Chamberlain.

“He was a pioneer in the development of wheelchair rugby on the East Coast and a cornerstone of Team NB. Our team simply wouldn’t be here without his unwavering dedication and belief in what this sport could be,” she said.

An active member of the New Brunswick wheelchair rugby community, Merrill took joy in mentoring fellow athletes, both on the court and in life. He was a strong advocate for the power of sport, believing deeply in its ability to support personal growth, and community.

Merrill passed away in March 2025. His legacy lives on through the athletes he inspired, the communities he uplifted, and the Hal Merrill Community Impact Award — a recognition of those who continue to lead with heart and purpose.

One such individual is Andrew Lawlor. Like many touched by Merrill’s influence, Lawlor found new purpose through sport. He relocated to New Brunswick in 2023, five years after sustaining a multi-trauma injury. Though his physical recovery progressed, his emotional healing remained a challenge. Looking for an outlet to rebuild his confidence and regain physical strength, he discovered wheelchair rugby.

“I went to my first practice, and as I was squeezing my butt into a chair, someone rammed into me. It was Hal — he just looked at me and said, ‘It’s going to be ok.’ That was it, he just rolled away. Two years later, I’ve been to rugby nationals twice, and I’m about to have my first para boxing match. It wasn’t until much later that I understood what Hal meant on that first day. I now know it was about much more than just rugby, and I now know he was right. It is going to be ok,” Lawlor said.

Lawlor credits Merrill’s influence as transformative.

“As my relationship grew with Hal, I watched how he conducted himself — and how his chair just disappeared when you interacted with him. He seemed to move effortlessly through life, unbothered by the challenges put in his way. He sat tall, confident, with a huge smile, and always had time for those like me, learning to play and live in a chair. At 57 years of age, I wasn’t looking for a mentor — but a mentor found me,” he said.

The inaugural award was announced by Chamberlain during the National Championships banquet — a surprise to athletes in the wheelchair rugby community and to Lawlor, the recipient. Lawlor’s dedication to building and supporting the community around him, along with his commitment to the sport, made him a natural choice.

“As the announcement was happening, it felt surreal. At some point, I knew they were talking about me — but that didn’t seem right. Hal was larger than life in this community — great player, teammate, mentor… why was I even being mentioned in the same breath? There are better players, people with longer careers in the sport and long-time friends of Hal who surely deserved this more than I… and then it hit me. This was an award, yes, but more importantly it was a call to action. As much as I am honoured to receive recognition, I know this award is also a demand — to play as long as I can, to support this community, to transition into coaching when I can’t play anymore.

“Losing Hal created a gap in wheelchair rugby — in New Brunswick, across Canada and even internationally. It will take many to fill that gap, and I know this was a call for me to do my part,” he said.

Lawlor sees the award as a reflection of his entire community.

“I don’t believe I give any more than any of my teammates, or the coaches and administration who help get us on the court. Everyone gives what they can — there are no passengers in Wheelchair Rugby New Brunswick. I do what I can, and it’s nice to have that recognized, but I share this award with everyone in our community,” he said.

The Hal Merrill Community Impact Award will be presented annually at the Wheelchair Rugby National Championships to individuals who exemplify the values of inclusion, mentorship and active living within the wheelchair rugby community. Recipients are selected based on criteria that highlight their efforts to foster connection, provide support and promote wellness both on and off the court.

Nominations are accepted in the lead-up to Nationals and are announced via email, encouraging community members to recognize those whose presence and actions leave a lasting impact.

“Memorial awards carry a unique and powerful meaning. In the midst of grief, this award has brought light and healing to our journey. It’s a reminder of how powerful sport can be — and just how special Hal was to everyone who knew him. I’m deeply grateful to have known him and to have witnessed the impact he had not only on my life, but on the lives of so many others. He made us all better people. We are moved and thankful to Wheelchair Rugby Canada for honouring his memory through this award, ensuring that Hal’s legacy continues to inspire others,” said Chamberlain.

The award will continue to honour those who uplift others through sport, carrying forward Merrill’s spirit of compassion, inclusion and community.