A Paralympic gold medallist will help Five Counties Children’s Centre mark the conclusion of its 50th anniversary celebrations later this month.
Five Counties announced that wheelchair curler Jon Thurston, a Dunsford resident who recently captured gold at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Centre’s 50th Annual Meeting on June 22 in Peterborough.
The event, scheduled for 3 p.m., will cap a milestone year for the Peterborough-based children’s treatment centre, which first opened its doors in 1975.
Organizers say Thurston’s presentation will focus on themes of resilience, perseverance and lived experience — qualities that have become a hallmark of keynote addresses at the annual gathering.
In addition to Thurston’s remarks, attendees will hear from Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin, who will provide an overview of the Centre’s accomplishments and activities over the past year. The organization will also release its 2025-26 annual report.
The meeting will also feature the presentation of the 2026 High-Five Community Awards, which recognize individuals, groups and community partners who support the Centre’s commitment to inclusion. Long-serving staff members will also be recognized during the event.
Another highlight will be the presentation of the second annual Dave Adams Legacy Award. The honour is named after the former executive director of the Centre’s foundation and celebrates individuals who demonstrate the leadership, commitment and community spirit Adams embodied during his 27-year career with Five Counties.
The award was established in 2025 as part of the Centre’s golden anniversary celebrations.
Five Counties Children’s Centre provides treatment, rehabilitation and support services for children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs across Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes.
