Much has happened since our last post back in April.

First, Special Olympics have postponed the World Winter Games scheduled for January 2022 to January 2023, still to be held in Kazan, Russia.

And, we finally received a diagnosis about the pain that Cory has been experiencing for almost 2 years.  It's a condition called Ankylosing Spondilitis.  It is an inflammation of the joints, usually in the spine, is chronic and has no cure.  With a diagnosis came a recommended medication, which has made a big difference in pain levels and frequency.  

So the good thing is Cory now has more time to slowly get back into sports activities with the Games pushed back to 2023.

We also discovered a terrific ski simulator in North Vancouver so when Cory is ready to go back to training, that will be an excellent tool to improve his racing skills.  He did use it a few times before the pain got just too much.

Here back in June:

More recently it's been biking, bowling, and softball, mostly with no pain but some times with a considerable amount of pain.

With winter coming fast, we will update more often.  A well-earned vacation in Mexico in November, then we will go watch the world's best female skiers race at Lake Louise in December.  Snow should start falling soon thereafter.  And likely some simulator training before then.

Not much training, lots of pain

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.

 

Cory will ski for Canada in Kazan, Russia in January 2022, at Special Olympics' World Winter Games.  Dreams do come true!

After 15 years of hard work and commitment to his sport with hopes of representing Canada one day, Special Olympics Canada has announced its Team Canada 2022 and Cory is on it!

At his 3rd National Games last February, Cory earned 3 Gold Medals, giving him the maximum number of points possible, and paving the way for his selection to the team.

The Kazan Games will host 107 nations, over 2000 athletes, over 7 days of competition in 7 sports.

Here he is in his first Team Canada gear:

Here's a link to the Games official website:

www.sokazan2022.com

Stay tuned for regular updates on Cory's preparations to compete at his best for Canada!