Meet the Match

An Architect and Advocate Defined by Selfless Success

From the SOS Children’s Village where he grew up as a boy to becoming the first wheelchair user in Nepal to graduate with a degree in architectural engineering, Deepak KC’s life is a story of perseverance and giving back.

In a wheelchair for as long as he can remember, Deepak excelled in Para table tennis from the time he was a teenager and pursued it alongside his professional training in architecture. Through sport, he was able to gain a sense of strength and purpose that pushed him forward.

“I am a great believer in the power of sport,” Deepak says. “In my school life, sport was one of the ways I could engage with my non-disabled friends to feel included, self-confident, and to believe that I am really not that different even though I am in a wheelchair.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the Kathmandu Engineering College at Tribhuvan University in 2007, Deepak founded the National Physical Disabled Table Tennis Association—Nepal, where he is president. Deepak also currently serves as the deputy secretary general of the Nepal Paralympic Committee and was appointed to the Athletes Standing Committee of the Asian Paralympic Committee through 2018.

Deepak is focused on grassroots activities and accessibility. He regularly visits schools and conferences to share his story as motivation for young people with disabilities to participate in sports. He also uses his architecture for social good, serving on the board of the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments and collaborating with the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD), based in Boston, on creating accessible environments in Nepal. Deepak’s work earned him the 2014 Herman Gmeiner Award for outstanding achievement.

“I want to see how accessibility impacts the rights of people with disabilities in the sports sector,” Deepak says. “I am convinced that sport can be used as a tool for advocacy and awareness so that all people, regardless of age, ability, and gender can enjoy the lives they want as human beings.”

At Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Deepak was mentored by Mary Patstone and Dr. Cheri Blauwet, who helped provide him with access to some of the top minds using disability sport as a tool for rehabilitation and empowerment. Spaulding hosts a wide range of adaptive sports programming at its multiple facilities and the mentorship team was sure to expose Deepak to the best practices, training knowledge, and networks he needs in order to continue serving as an advocate and pioneer in Nepal. Through Dr. Cheri, Deepak also had access to Eli Wolff of the Inclusive Sports Initiative at the ICHD, where he could continue developing his work in accessibility.

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Mentor Matches

Mary Patstone, Boston, MA

Executive Director, Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (SASC)

Mary Patstone is the Executive Director of Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (SASC) which is part of the nationally renowned Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. Mary holds a BA in Political Science from Saint Michael’s College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Mary has spent almost the entirety of her career in the nonprofit sector nationally and internationally working for New Partners International Relief for Children based in Washington DC, and nearly 12 years with the American Red Cross.

In 2006, Mary joined the staff of Spaulding Cape Cod as the Vice President of Development. During her tenure at Spaulding Cape Cod, she was instrumental in forming Spaulding’s vibrant adaptive sports and recreation programs serving Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts.

In 2011, Mary became the executive responsible for the creation of Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers having three major centers of operation in Boston, on Cape Cod, and in Salem, MA. Under her tenure, SASC has seen the establishment of the Kelley Institute for Adaptive Sports Research, The McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports, and the Sears Adaptive Hockey Program. Together, these Centers and Programs function as a national model for high-quality programming, research, education and advocacy.

Cheri Blauwet, MD, Boston, MA

Attending Physician, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network

Cheri Blauwet, MD, is certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. She is a graduate of the Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her residency training at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Cheri is a seven-time Paralympic medal winner for the U.S. in wheelchair racing, as well as a two-time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons. She has been nominated for an ESPY Award, the Laureus World Sports Award, Women's Sports Foundation Athlete of the Year, and is the chairperson of the International Paralympic Committee’s Medical Committee.

"Mentorship isn’t just important—it’s essential. Being mentored is what has opened up most of the doors in my life. In any career, you need people who are willing to provide opportunities and guidance along the way. That is what I look to do with Deepak and Valeria, who have already shown their leadership and left their legacy in Nepal and Belarus. I have no doubt their legacy will continue to grow after they leave here. ”

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