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Richmond’s Owen Greaves is an accomplished soccer player and dedicated spokesperson for the War Amps of Canada.

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Greaves a CHAMP on and off the pitch

By Don Fennell

Published 2:02 PDT, Fri July 2, 2021

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Owen Greaves has never shied away from a challenge.

Born as a below the left elbow congenital amputee, he has continually demonstrated what is possible—not what’s not.

“I have only known how to adapt and tackle obstacles, ever since I was born, which is where this perseverance type of mindset all started,” he explains. “I am continuously learning how to overcome new and difficult challenges every single day. Once I have put my mind to an objective I will eventually complete the task at hand no matter what.”

This mindset has become second nature to Greaves, who says it has played a pivotal role in becoming the person he is today.

That person is a talented, dedicated, and caring individual who, in September, will be entering his second year at UBC studying general arts. He is also someone as equally proficient on the athletic field as in the academic arena, as evidenced by his rightful place on the varsity men’s soccer team.

“I have loved sports since a very young age because I really enjoy working hard to overcome all different types of hurdles that stand in my way,” shares the 19-year-old Richmondite. “Sports have also provided an outlet for me to burn off some built up steam or energy, as well as the opportunity to create friendships and establish memories that will last forever.”

Greaves began playing both organized baseball and soccer around the age of five, suggesting he “instantly” fell in love with these sports because of the challenges.

“I was never ever hesitant to jump right into any of these sports because I have always believed that I can do anything once I put my mind to it,” he says.

As the years progressed, he continued to enjoy playing both baseball and soccer—and at a consistently strong level. However, when he was 13 years old he was forced to make a major decision: either continue playing both baseball and soccer at the second highest level, or choose to focus on one at the highest level.

“I thought long and hard and finally came to the decision that I would continue my soccer journey,” he says, adding that throughout middle school and high school at Vancouver College he also played basketball.

Soccer continues to be Greaves’ favourite sport and “will forever hold an immensely special place in my heart.”

“I love soccer for an endless amount of reasons, but I particularly enjoy it because of how important it is to work extremely hard together as an entire team. I have always enjoyed both watching and of course playing soccer because it is just something I am very passionate about.”

As a left-footed player, Greaves has nicely settled into the left back position with the UBC Thunderbirds. It’s a role that carries a significant responsibility to defend and protect any threats coming down the wing or midfield. It also demands joining the attack once his team has properly secured possession of the ball.

Greaves’ busy schedule doesn’t leave him a lot of down time, but he continues to give back whenever possible to the War Amps of Canada.

“I feel very honoured and blessed to be a part of the War Amps for countless reasons,” he says. “The War Amps have provided me with an endless amount of opportunities since a very young age such as attending annual BC CHAMP seminars, participating in the annual Steveston Salmon Festival parade, laying the wreath at Richmond city hall's cenotaph annually on Remembrance Day, and many more for which I am forever thankful.”

The War Amps have also supported Greaves, since he was very young, with numerous different prosthetic arms that have provided him with opportunities to learn how to ride a bike or workout both arms to ensure he doesn’t overuse his dominant arm. This is fully made possible for CHAMPS (Child Amputees) all across Canada due to the War Amps’ exceptional Key Tag Service which was created in 1946 by World War II Amputee Veterans.

“I know for a fact that I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for the War Amps of Canada, and their extraordinary Key Tag Service which has provided significant opportunities for me due to new prosthetics that have continuously gotten more technologically advanced over the years as I have grown in age and size,” Greaves says. “The War Amps of Canada is a phenomenal program and I am so proud to be a part of the CHAMP family which will always hold a unique and dear spot within my heart.”

Whether it’s on the soccer pitch, in the classroom, or perhaps one day in a court of law (he’s still deciding on a major area of study, but is thinking about going to law school), Greaves’ positive attitude and contributions will always be welcomed.