Foothills MP John Barlow was honoured with the Former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Honourable Norman Kwong award last week.

The award is a provincial honour, provided by Easter Seals Alberta to a government official who helped promote the cause of persons with disabilities and special needs.

Barlow says it is truly a privilege to work with this organization.

"To be associated with Easters Seals has been just a wonderful experience for myself and my family. My wife Louise and I have really become involved with Camp Horizon and Easter Seals over all. To be honoured by Easter Seals for the little bit that we have done was just an incredible honour."

Barlow was recognized for his continued support of Easter Seals Camp Horizon, including his annual Foothills Ride to Horizon. He says being a part of Camp Horizon is very special.

"Every time we take some friends or some colleagues up to go see Camp Horizon, they come away feeling just like we are. What can we do, how can we help? And that's what makes Camp Horizon so special and the people who work there, the organizers at Easter Seals, and the incredible clients, youth and adults who use the camp are just phenomenal."

He says the ride was inspired by the courage and enthusiasm of the youth who attend the camp, and he was proud to showcase the Foothills area as well.

"Not only did we want to raise awareness about Camp Horizon and Easter Seals, but we really wanted to showcase the Foothills Riding. That's why we wanted to do it from almost one end of the riding to the other. I have probably one of the most beautiful places in the world where I get call home, and all Foothills residents get to do the same. I'm looking forward to doing it again this year."

The second annual event will be on July 29th, and will be a 100km ride from the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site to Bragg Creek.

He says 100km sounds intimidating but it's open for anyone to participate, even novice riders. People can register for $100 and participants are asked to raise $500 in pledges for Camp Horizon's $10 million renovation project.

You can find out more here.