Scarborough breeds a different kind of person. I’m Marissa Papaconstantinou, a three-time Paralympian and world championship medalist in track and field and I was born without a foot. Growing up here has taught me resilience, strength, and how to push forward no matter what challenges come my way. Scarborough is a community of hard-working people who support each other and embrace diversity. I’m so proud to call it home because it’s given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and the foundation I needed as I grew up with a disability. 

Being born as a Symes amputee meant a lot of hospital visits. As a kid, I came to SHN for X-rays and treatment, checking in regularly to make sure I was developing properly and growing at an even rate. Hospitals aren’t fun when you’re young, but looking back, I’m grateful for the amazing care and support I got. The medical teams in Scarborough made a huge difference in my life. 

My parents saw sports as the best way for me to put myself out there, so by the time I was three, I was playing soccer, basketball, gymnastics, tennis—you name it. Track was what fascinated me the most. I thought it was amazing how fast people could move, and I wanted to be part of that. When I was 12, I got my first running blade, and I joined Phoenix Athletics in Scarborough. That was the beginning of my track career, which would eventually take me to the Paralympics where I specialize in the 100m and 200m sprints. I recently represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. 

Being an athlete with a disability means learning to adapt to setbacks and challenges, something Scarborough taught me early on. I’ve faced many obstacles, from injuries to competing at the highest level, but Scarborough instilled in me a resilience, a strength to keep pushing forward no matter what. 

My memories here are filled with moments like riding bikes or longboards with friends to Scarborough Town Centre to catch a movie or going to Sammy’s Diner for brunch with my family. Scarborough gave me both confidence and a sense of belonging. No one looked at me differently, and I was free to be myself. It’s where I learned to be fearless in going after my goals. I love Scarborough because it’s real, it’s strong, and it’s always been there for me. 

Marissa Papaconstantinou is one of the 10 new faces of our Love, Scarborough campaign. To learn more visit LoveScarborough.ca