Two Canadian skiers with life-changing injuries are setting an inspirational example as they prepare to run and roll in an international charity event that raises awareness and money for spinal cord injury research.

Three-time Paralympian medallist Josh Dueck and skier Mike Shaw will be participating in the Wings For Life World Run this weekend. The run is being held on Sunday in 35 different locations around the world.

The B.C. natives have a special connection to the run: both suffered spinal cord injuries while teaching and coaching skiing.

They also share a personal connection, since Dueck was Shaw's ski instructor and coach years before Shaw became injured in 2013.

Dueck was injured in 2004, while demonstrating a jump to some of his students. During the jump, he misjudged the landing and broke his back. His injury landed him in a wheelchair.

He eventually decided to start skiing again, and won medals at the 2010 and 2014 Paralympics. Now retired from competitive skiing, Dueck serves as an ambassador for the Wings For Life World Run.

He said the event is very important to him, not just because all the proceeds go to research, but also because it helps raise awareness about spinal cord injuries.

"Even though I have a strong quality of life and I really enjoy what I do, I'm very aware of all the inherent challenges that come along with (my injury)," he told CTV's Canada AM.

Less than two years after dislocating a vertebrae in his neck, Shaw is now back on his feet and working towards recovery.

Shaw broke his back while performing a ski trick in Colorado. He said he knew immediately upon landing that he was paralyzed.

"Usually when you crash you try and get back up," he said, recalling the moment he became injured. "(But) I remember tumbling down the hill and going 'What is going on?'

"I knew instantly that I was paralyzed. It hit me right away."

Remarkably, Shaw has been steadily recovering and with rehabilitation has been able to get back on his feet. He said it's for this reason that the Wings For Life Run is especially significant to him.

"I'm lucky, most people don't get that opportunity, so I feel very lucky and fortunate," he said. "The slogan for the Wings For Life Run is 'Running for those who can't,' and for me it hits home."

The two said their injuries actually brought them closer together. Almost immediately after being injured, Shaw said he reached out to speak with Dueck, his former ski coach.

Dueck said hearing the news that Shaw had broken his neck was "arguably one of the worst" calls he's ever received.

But Shaw said, during that phone conversation, Dueck told him something that would change his entire perspective.

"He said 'This is going to give you some gifts… it may not seem like it now, but it's going to unravel and the gifts will show themselves over time,'" Shaw said. Dueck also warned Shaw that he should prepare himself, as he would soon meet some of the "most inspirational" people in his life.

Shaw said the kind words stayed with him and helped him to stay positive. "It made my recovery that much easier and that much better," he said.

The Canadian Wings For Life World Run is in Niagara Falls and starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Online registration is closed, however walk up registration will be available on May 2 at Kingsbridge Park in Niagara Falls from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on the participants.