A deserving family from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada was awarded a new, universally accessible MV-1 vehicle, made by Mobility Ventures LLC, an AM General Co., after entering the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Associations’ (NMEDA) National Mobility Awareness Month’s (NMAM) “Local Heroes Contest” earlier this year.

Kyle and Paula Watson, whose twin 14-year old boys — Scott and Ian — have cerebral palsy and use large motorized wheelchairs, won the vehicle through the annual NMAM online contest that includes sharing their personal story with NMAM site viewers who voted to select the finalists.

“Winning an MV-1 through the NMAM ‘Local Heroes Contest’ was truly a dream come true,” said Kyle. “Finding a vehicle to accommodate two very large motorized wheelchairs poses a huge challenge in itself. Now we can go where we want, as a family, together. This will be life-changing for us.”

The shiny black MV-1 was delivered to the Watson family by MV-1 Canada, at an event held at the Toronto Convention Centre.

“This vehicle was designed to open up a world of new possibilities, and that’s exactly what it will do for this wonderful family,” said John Walsh, VP, sales and marketing, for Mobility Ventures. “This vehicle has the space, durability and safety for all their needs. We are proud to support this event and are thrilled for the Watson family.”

The MV-1 is the only vehicle that is “purpose-built” from the ground up for people with disabilities. The MV-1 has a side-entry powered ramp and space for a wheelchair passenger to sit in the front of the vehicle next to the driver, with additional room in back for another wheelchair and extra passengers.

The vehicle also meets all applicable safety standards in the U.S. and Canada for crash-worthiness test as required by both the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards without exceptions or exemptions.