May 30, 2018 (Oro Medonte) – Canada’s most decorated Canadian Winter Paralympian, Brian McKeever, is coming to speak at multiple events in Simcoe County. McKeever will be delivering an inspirational message to audiences at Hardwood Ski and Bike on Wednesday, June 20th at 5:00pm.

Canada’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, who has racked up 17 Paralympic medals including 13 gold, will speak at events at Hardwood Ski and Bike and New Path Youth and Family Services.

“We are working together with our community partners to bring this incredible story of resilience to our community,” says Glen Newby, New Path Youth and Family Services CEO. “Brian’s story is an incredible example of working towards your dreams despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. We are truly grateful for our collaboration with Hardwood Ski and Bike, Team Hardwood, and New Path Foundation that made this possible. We invite all members of the community to attend our events to hear Brian’s story.”

McKeever, who has been cross-country skiing since the age of three, has close ties to Hardwood Ski and Bike and Head Coach, Jack Sasseville. Sasseville coached McKeever’s older brother, Robin, who competed as Brian’s guide in the Paralympics until 2014, and coached the Canadian Para-Nordic Team to record-setting results in 2018 where they combined to win an unprecedented 16 medals.

“We are very excited about Brian’s visit. He is an inspiration to us all for the way he has been able to overcome his personal hardships and to excel, not only in the para-world, but also in life,” says Jack Sasseville, Team Hardwood Head Coach. “Overcoming obstacles is important for all of us and the message rings especially true at Hardwood Ski and Bike as we continue to rebuild in the aftermath of the Christmas Day fire.”

McKeever will be speaking to audiences about the importance of never giving up on your dreams and sharing his triumphant story of overcoming adversity. McKeever began competing at the age of 13 with his hopes set on the Olympics for Cross-Country Skiing. At the age of 19, however, he was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a macular degeneration or loss of central vision including fine detail and colour.

Brian continued to chase his dreams in both Olympic and Paralympic sport. He became the first Canadian ever to be named to both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams in 2010.