Boston Pizza Orleans Fundraiser

It’s amazing what dedicated and positive people can do when they put their minds to it. Inspired by a talk that Kevin had done at their school (including a surprise visit from Kevin), a group of Orleans young girls and their Mommies got together to organize this amazing fundraiser for Kevin. Similar to last year’s Boston Pizza fundraiser 10% of the receipts sales is going to help fund Kevin’s speed skating training.

The only way to describe last night’s event was that Kevin was a Rock Star!! This group of young girls had made Frosty Team T-shirts and they had Kevin autographing their shirts. (note to Mommies: they promised never to wash them). They were pretty much on fire for Kevin’s cause and were so inspired by what he was accomplishing with his life.

There was a Silent auction with items which included: Party City basket, SENS hockey tickets (donated by Combat Networks), LCBO basket, Pen & Pencil set, Boston Pizza Orleans gift certificate, Escape Spa gift certificate,  Booster Juice basket, Sugar Mountain gift certificate, Houle Sports gift certificate, Mastermind Toys gifts, Rogers gift cards, Starbucks gift basket, Metro gift basket, Nicole Miller jewelry gift, Wall Space gift certificate, Sobey’s Jamie Oliver basket, Loving Warrior coaching, Home Depot tool sets, Food Basics gift certificate, Body Shop gift box and Saroughi International Tarkwonso lessons. They also had a 50/50 draw and a table set up at the entrance selling their Rainbow Loom bracelets (all handmade by the girls).

What July has in store for me! – Kevin Frost

Although my season has come to an end, I am thrilled to have not only two silvers and two bronze against able body skaters, but also three gold and a world record with the impaired skaters. It was a great way to end my season!

I had a tough start on my training because of my knee injury from running, but with the guidance and never ending encouragement from my great speed skating coach Mike Rivet, I was able to get back on track. I have just begun my month off recovery stage from training, and although it’s hard because I like to be busy, I have to listen to my coach.

A month ago I was approached by a mother from Winchester who needed help getting her son Jeremy a special computer to have at home since the school wouldn’t allow him to bring it home. Well, with the help of the Orleans Lions, Jeremy was able to get the computer that he needed! It was such a great feeling to see his face when he received his new computer.

Now that the Impaired Speed Skating Association of Canada (ISSAC) is open, we can start building it up to try and get more athletes to compete internationally and maybe someday have a World Blind Cup in Ottawa.

Kitchener-Waterloo Sertoma Speed Skating Club Provincial A Championships

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dfhAoiw6cQ&w=420&h=315]

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Speedskater Jen Benidiktson with Kevin Frost

K-W 50

This past weekend, February 23-24th 2013, the KWSSSC hosted the Provincials at RIM Park in Waterloo, Ontario. This was a very special year as it marked the club’s 50th anniversary. The event included distinguished dignitaries such as the mayors of Kitchener & Waterloo, the Executive Director of OSSA, past club presidents, lifetime members and guest of honor Kevin Frost.

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Waterloo Councilor Melissa Durrell ( Jim Durrell’s daughter), Kevin Frost and Kitchener Councillor Berry Vrbanovie

The KWSSSC was formed in 1963 by a group of interested families. It remains a family-oriented club with skaters of all ages, including Special Olympic Athletes.

“This weekend was an astronomical weekend, because it was the 50th anniversary of the Waterloo Provincial Championship and being a guest of honor was a very touching experience because it brings out the people who have dreams in the speed skating world. They were able to honor my World Championship in Russia and my short track in Scotland, so when kids see that it gives them a dream to achieve what they want to achieve”.  Kevin Frost

Kevin thinks these kinds of events are kind of a stepping stone to make his dream even bigger.  Bringing out people and seeing how disabled people achieve their dreams.

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Kevin Frost and Christopher Langridge



For the visually impaired: a podcast of the interview with Kevin Frost.

Helping deaf kids in Mexico

In October, Kevin got back from a mission trip to Mexico, a trip he does with a group of people every year to deliver hearing aids to children from less-fortunate families.

This year, the trip benefited twp great children: Carlos, 10 years old, and Juan, 12 years old.

On his trip, Kevin was only able to meet Carlos. The meeting was magical. There is something special about seeing Carlos smile after he puts his new hearing aids on. Something only the tears of Carlos’ mother can truly explain.

Kevin Frost gives Carlos from Mexico a new set of hearing aids

Before leaving Kevin asked if there was anything else missing in Carlos’ life. Turns out he loves tennis and wanted some new tennis balls. So, the team went and got him some new tennis balls, but they have to make sure he could play in style. They also got him a new t-shirt and pair of shorts.

Andrea, a member of this great team helping these kids out, delivered hearing aids to Juan. Everything went well and Juan is already enjoying his new hearing aids.

Juan gets new hearing aids

To finish off the trip, the team bought $200 of school supplies for the town of Holbox. This is the same small town Kevin visited last year.

Thanks to all who helped make the mission a success.

Blind Ambition premier raises $21,000

One week ago today, over a hundred people from across Ottawa attended the premier of Blind Ambition, featuring Kevin Frost.

Kevin’s sponsors and local delegates, including Mr. Phil McNeely, MPP for Ottawa-Orleans, were among the crowd, as well as supporters and friends of Kevin and his team.

The film was directed by Pat Decelles, an Ottawa film director and recent graduate from Algonquin College. Pat wanted to share with Ottawa, and the world, the courage it took for Kevin to overcome his disability and skate his way to the top.

The film opened up with Kevin’s parents who share the story of how Kevin lost his hearing and his sight. Kevin then takes over and shares his struggles, challenges, but most of all his triumphs over his disability. Kevin even shares stories of Nemo, his guide dog, and how if it weren’t for Nemo, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

From losing everything to gaining back his independence, Blind Ambition truly showcased the courage of a deaf-blind athlete.

If you weren’t able to make it, you can order a DVD online.

The event also brought with it some exciting news for Kevin and other visually impaired athletes across Canada. On October 18, the crowd witnessed the creation of the new Visually Impaired Speed Skating Association of Canada (VISSAC), a non-profit organization that has two main goals: provide these athletes with opportunities to compete nationally and internationally, and get the sport sanctioned at the Paralympic Games. View the entire press release here.

But the good news didn’t stop there. After the conclusion of the film, and the standing ovation, Kevin honoured his sponsors by passing out limited edition plaques. One sponsor, Bruce Parrington with Climec Residential, made a very touching speech at the end referring to Kevin as a hero. Then he surprised us all by announcing that he would be the first donor to the new Visually Impaired Speed Skating Association of Canada with a cheque for $20,000.

Bruce, the VISSAC team thanks you for your generosity!

Here is a short video recaping the night of the premier.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbbqSrXiY_g?rel=0&w=420&h=315]