Kevin is leaving on a jet plane to represent Canada at the Impaired Skating Championship in Scotland

Currently, Kevin Frost is on a place heading to Scotland to represent Canada at the Impaired Skating Championship sanctioned by the International Skating Union.

This championship is important since deaf blind speed skating is not recognized as a Paralympic sport. This has been Kevin’s goal since the beginning and by participating in this championship it is a step closer to his dream becoming realized.

Kevin has the rare genetic disorder Usher Syndrome. He has only eight per cent of his vision and progressive hearing loss. His vision is like looking through two straws and a sound has to register about 90 decibels for him to hear it.

Despite his condition, Kevin has had Olympic ambitions every since the first day he started competing seven years ago. He’s made it his ambition to get International Paralympic Committee (IPC) sanction his sport. The IPC has minimum criteria for adoption of a new winter sport, including widespread practice in a minimum of eight countries, and the sport must have a minimum of two world championship competitions. Currently, there is only one world championship in Russia called the Open Blind Cup. Frost has finished first place in both 2010 and 2011. Scotland will be the second.

On Wednesday, May 2nd a promotion at Topper’s Pizza was held to raise funds to send Kevin to Scotland. For every large pizza that was purchased, $4 was donated to help Kevin represent Canada at the Impaired Skating Championship. The community really came together and were able to raise over $300, which means we sold 79 large pizzas!!!

Kevin and his entire team would like to thank the community for showing their support and making this event a success. All of this would not have been possible without your continued support.

Good luck Kevin and bring home some medals!

If you missed the big event last Wednesday, you can catch up on the news by reading the news clips below:

CTV Morning Live

Rogers Daytime TV
http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=237&rid=4&sid=68&gid=96282

Metro News
http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/126990/deaf-blind-speed-skater-to-represent-canada-at-impaired-skating-championships-in-scotland/

Orleans Star
http://www.orleansstar.ca/News/Local/2012-05-03/article-2969158/Speeding-off-to-Scotland/1

Fundraiser to send local deaf-blind athlete to Impaired Skating Championship in Scotland

May 2nd Toppers Pizza in Orleans to donate $4 for every large pizza sold to support Kevin Frost as Canada’s representative at international championship race.

Toppers Pizza at 5947 Jeanne D’Arc Blvd. in Orleans is holding a fundraiser on May 2 to support deaf-blind speed skater and two-time world champion, Kevin Frost. Kevin will represent Canada at the Impaired Skating Championship, sanctioned by Scotland’s National Ice Skating Association at the end of May.

Kevin has been on a journey to become the first Paralympic speed skater at the Russia games in 2014 for the past seven years. On May 17, Kevin will travel to Scotland to compete at the Impaired Skating Championship sanctioned by the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain. This will be an opportunity for Kevin to compete with other athletes like himself. For those who are not aware, speed skating is not recognized as a sport in the Paralympic games. The Canadian Paralympic Committee will not consider speed skating a Paralympic sport until a minimum of eight countries adopt the sport and hold a minimum of two world championships. The competition in Scotland is a perfect platform to raise awareness of deaf-blind speed skating. This is an important event since it is one step closer to deaf-blind speed-skating being recognized as a sport in the Paralympics.

If you would like further information on the advancement of Paralympic speed skating, please read this article on SportsOttawa.com.

A friendly thank you from Nicaragua

Thanks to a collaborate issue between myself, Widex and aDavidson Hearing Aid Centres, we were able to give the gift of hearing to a couple kids in Nicaragua.

We just got friendly words from our Nicaragua family. They send their gratitute and happiness for the hearing aids. Thanks to all who were involved.

Here is the video they made to thank us:

The video is in Spanish, but you can view the speech translated below.

“Showing the biggest of our gratefulness to Kevin for campaigning to send hearing aids to Nicaragua. Kilby, thanks for all!!!”

Translated transcript of video
 
Hi Kevin and Kilby,
 
How are you? As you can see we are at Café de las Sonrisas (Smile’s coffe) the cafe we’ve just opened where all the employes are deaf and mute.
 
It took us sometime to make this video but we wanted you to see the results of all our effort and work cause it wasn’t only the possibility of getting hearing aids for the hearing impaired but also creating job posts for them, creating ilussion and creating future something we would like you to share with us.
 
I want to tell you Kevin that you are an example for all of us. We look forward to having you here in Granada so you could share everything with this family who awaits you with open arms.

Kevin, we would also like you to transmit our gratitude to the hearing aids company Widex and also Davidson Hearing Aid Centres. We hope they can see this video so they know we appreciate them for their support and we want to transform it into a future and a better day to day life for this kids in this cafe.
 
Thanks a lot, a big hug for all of you and we’ll be waiting for you.
 

BIG NEWS… One step closer to my goal

As you all know, to my knowledge, I am the only Canadian deaf-blind speed skater. Yes, I feel unique and special, but I still feel like a one-man team trying to change an empire.

Speed skating is not yet considered a Paralympic Sport, which means I cannot compete at the Paralympic Games.

For now, as you can see on my blog, I compete against able bodied speed skaters, because it is the only place I can compete.

I have held the position of fastest deaf-blind speed skater in the world at the Russia Open Blind Cup for the past two years, but the distinction means little without sanctioning from the International Skating Union, a blessing that the event has not yet had.

The International Paralympic Committee has minimum criteria for adoption of a new winter sport, including widespread practice in a minimum of eight countries – that is, they hold sanctioned national championships regularly – and having held a minimum of two world championships, according to Rob Needham, the Executive Director, Sport at the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

But with the help of hard work, determination and a great support from my PR team, coach and community, in May I will be taking one step closer to making a change in Paralympic speed skating.

On May 12 and 13, I will travel to Scotland for a competition organized by Impaired Skating and sanctioned by the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain. The event that will follow ISU rules also received strong support from the ISU, although it stopped short of endorsing it with its full sanction.

You can read more about this exciting news on SportsOttawa.com.

Also stay tuned for some exciting events that will help raise awareness and funds to get deaf-blind speed skaters another step closer to being recognized!

Paralympic inclusion closer for deaf-blind speed skater

I was featured in an article on SportsOttawa.ca. Ian Ewing wrote a great article about the major advancement in Paralympic speed skating.

You can read the full article on SportsOttawa.ca.

Thanks guys!

Canada Cup, Lake Placid, CRASH B… and what else?

Just an update on all my speed skating. I have competed in three able bodied competitions. One of then was a Canada Cup. This was the first time a Paralympian partook in a Canada Cup. I have made three personal best times this year in my 1000, 1500 and 3000m.

I attended a competition in Lake Placid and came 4th out of 45 able bodied skaters.

I also went to Boston to compete at the event called C.R.A.S.H B. It is the biggest Indoor Rowing ERG Championships in the World, 22 countries will be at this event. You can read about my success (second in the world) in the Orlean’s Star.

One last thing, I have made some progress on my ultimate goal of having speed skating considered a sport in the Parlympic games in 2014. I have connected with an organization in Scotland with the same goal as me.

Here is to hoping to a successful outcome in 2014.

Thank you for your continuing support!

Mission successful, Ready to compete and make the Track Team

Granted this update is a little late, but better late than never.

The mission to Costa Rica was a hit and we are getting ready to help more children next year. We will be able to help three to four children in 2012. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help.

I’ve started to compete in long track speed skating. I just finnished two events, getting two Personal bests–a great start. I still have to get back in the groove of being on the oval. It takes two months of training to get back on track. I will be competing in two more competitions in long track for this season.

I’ve been giving a few presentations and helping a girl from Orleans, Mellissa, raising funds for her eye treatment. It’s going very well.

Nice words from Nicaragua

I thought I would share with you folks the nice feedback I received from Nicaragua.

“Showing the biggest of our gratefulness to Kevin for campaigning to send hearing aids to Nicaragua.”

Video transcript, translated:

Hi Kevin and Kilby,

How are you? As you can see we are at Café de las Sonrisas (Smile’s coffe) the cafe we’ve just opened where all the employes are deaf and mute.

It took us sometime to make this video but we wanted you to see the results of all our effort and work cause it wasn’t only the possibility of getting hearing aids for the hearing impaired but also creating job posts for them, creating ilussion and creating future something we would like you to share with us.

I want to tell you Kevin that you are an example for all of us. We look forward to having you here in Granada so you could share everything with this family who awaits you with open arms.

Kevin, we would also like you to transmit our gratitude to the hearing aids company Widex and also Davidson Hearing Aid Centres. We hope they can see this video so they know we appreciate them for their support and we want to transform it into a future and a better day to day life for this kids in this cafe.

Thanks a lot, a big hug for all of you and we’ll be waiting for you.

Update: Mission successful, Ready to compete and make the Track Team

The mission was a hit and we are getting ready to help more children next year. We will be able to help three to four children in 2012.

I’ve started to compete in long track speed skating. I just finnished two events. I managed to get two personal bests, which makes for a great start. Although, I still need to get back in to the groove. That will come with more practice and training. It takes me on average two months of training to get all the tricks of long track skating.

All this preparation and training is getting me ready for two competitions in long track for this season: one in Lake Placid on Feb. 11 and 12 and the World Cup in Germany in March.

I will be running as well, and am hoping to make the development team for the Paralympics. I also will be competing at the World Indoor Rowing Championships in Boston. This event is called C.R.A.S.H B where you row till you drop.

Here is a video of what C.R.A.S.H B is all about!

C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints from John Rich on Vimeo.

Tips: Clothing for training outdoors during the winter

I know that for many during the winter time it can be hard to stay motivated to continue to do outdoor activities. Especially running, but alas do not let the weather deter you from running outside. There are many articles of clothing that will help keep you toasty while running in the cold.

1. Shirt: The Mizuno Breath Thermo Stretch L/S Crew; this shirt has heat-regulating properties to help you stay warm despite the cold weather.
2. Thermal Hat: Pearl Izumi Transfer Hat Black: You want to make sure that your head is covered at all times during the winter.
3. Jacket: The Northface Apex Climateblock Full Zip Jacket: Soft-shell jacket that is water repellant and sure to keep you dry and warm as you are running.
4. Gloves: Saucony Protection Glove: You want to make sure that your hands are warm, but still have mobility. These gloves are lightweight, but block the wind and keep your hands nice and warm.
5. Pants: Brooks Infiniti Tights: They ensure comfort while keeping you warm.

Now that you have clothing tips, let’s discuss why it is beneficial to continue running outdoors during the winter months. Firstly, it can help you train your body to adapt to various conditions, for those of you that run marathons, there is a point and time while running where it becomes more difficult but you must push through. This is the same concept while running in colder weather; though it may not be the most desirable conditions you must adapt and push through.

Training to adapt to various weather conditions is not only beneficial to your body, but also to your mind. You need to continuously push yourself mentally in order for you to keep on pushing physically.

Lastly, another benefit to training through the winter months is that you are not dormant during this season and you are improving your endurance. It will make for a faster spring and summer season.