Kazan, Russia - the location of Special Olympics' World Winter Games in January 2022 - is just over 800 kms east of Moscow. It is on the Volga River, at a similar latitude to James Bay in Canada. It is Russia's 5th largest city, with about 1.5 million residents and is the capital of Tatarstan region. It is considered as the sports capital of Russia, having hosted some of the 2018 World Cup soccer games, and the 2015 World Aquatics Championships. The Kazan Kremlin - seen below - is a UNESCO heritage site.
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies - to be held on January 22 & 28, 2022 - will be held in Tatneft Arena, which has a capacity of about 10,000, and is the home of AK Kazan, the professional hockey club.
With the Covid situation, we have limited safe opportunities to ski but Cory did enjoy a beautiful West Coast day at Cypress, his home mountain, in late March.
But it seems he's spending more time with doctors than skiing while he still battles foot and hip pain. Here with his chiropractor:
We are hoping that the pain will finally be gone by summer time when Cory hopes to train with Whistler Mountain Ski Club - if Whister Blackcomb is allowed to reopen by then.
In the meantime, there is daily reporting to Special Olympics Canada to be done. Physical activity and nutrition intake every day...and yes Cory does walk about 23,000 steps when he works, usually 3 days a week. Sure doesn't help the foot pain...
We will update with progress on Cory's preparations for the World Winter Games.
