Editor:
In June of this year a local resident of the North Thompson Valley, Ryan Kealey represented Canada on the World Stage at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin Germany.
Ryan overcame obstacles in his life that most of us would have found insurmountable, but despite this he trained for years becoming an inspiration and role model to millions of people around the world struggling with mental or physical disabilities.
He is changing the conversation of how we perceive those we label as different.
On Friday Nov. 3, 2023, I am hosting a ‘meet and greet’ to honour Ryan and his inspirational story. It is being held at Evergreen Acres Seniors Hall in Clearwater, from 7 to 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served as well as light snacks courtesy of the Strawberry Moose. If you wish you can donate toward the Special Olympics in B.C .
Ryan will be in attendance and will present the four medals he won at the Olympics in Berlin, Germany in June, where he won three Silvers and a Gold medal. There will be a short screening of a trailer for the documentary, ‘Beyond the Weights’ telling his story and a slide show of his journey at the Olympics, . I will also be presenting a cheque to the B.C. Special Olympics on behalf of the incredible support we received during the ‘Go-fund-me’ campaign which enabled us to capture events as they unfolded in real time.
Following the screening Ryan will be doing a short presentation followed by a questions and answer session.
Come on out and meet the North Thompson’s real life ‘Superhero’, it will mean so much to him and the community he represents.
Remember, Friday November 3rd, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Evergreen Acres Seniors Hall, 146 Evergreen Place, Clearwater
Hope to see you there.
With much appreciation,
Ken Matheson
Clearwater
