On June 9, dedicated power lifter Ryan Kealey from Clearwater left Kamloops airport at 5 a.m. headed for Berlin, Germany to compete in the 2023 Special Olympics with his Canadian teammates.
For the first time since his power lifting training started eight years ago, Kealey was leaving behind his local coaches to meet up with his SO Olympic team and coaches, travelling in the group that he will be living with while in Germany.
Since the teams will be isolated in the Special Olympic village upon their arrival, this is a new experience for Kealey, 27, who is ready to live up to the SO oath “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Documentary film maker and District of Clearwater councillor Ken Matheson is hoping Canadians will show their support for the Special Olympians from afar, as he continues to film Ryan’s journey for the documentary he’s producing called Beyond the Weights.
“I hope that everyone will join us in spirit to cheer these remarkable athletes on,” Matheson said before he left. “Ryan isn’t really concerned or nervous about winning. He’s got such a positive outlook about everything. He is looking forward to the good food that he’s heard so much about and seeing the country. He’s worked hard training and says that winning isn’t the most important thing, it’s about doing your best.”
Matheson joined his film crew in Germany a few days after Kealey’s departure to document the Special Olympic games and follow Kealey’s mother, Grace, along with Ryan’s aunt and uncle, Janet and Rinaldo Nardozza from Montreal, who are all travelling to watch Kealey compete in this world event.
He was diagnosed with Autism at four years old, and although he experienced bullying and confusing discrimination at times, he decided early on he would work hard in life. He drew his inspiration from superheroes in comic books and other stories of strength and courage, like Hercules. As Kealey says, “I just want to do my best and be healthy and strong.”
His coach, Jordan Sernaggia from Kamloops, has described Kealey’s approach to power lifting as “unique”, adding that unlike many in this sport he is very quiet, serious, and focused when training.
In February of this year, Kealey competed in a national championship, lifting a combined 577.5 kilograms which included a 155 kg bench press, a 205 kg squat and a 217.5 kg deadlift. The effort earned him a gold medal.
Matheson shared a brief and emotional video on Facebook on June 17, when the documentary team walked along with Ryan’s family to the opening ceremonies, where they would be seated in a section dedicated to the families of athletes.
When asked how she was feeling in that moment, Kealey’s mom, Grace, replied “It’s hard to put into words.” Pausing to take a breath, hand on her heart, she continued “I just texted Ryan and told him to be the bright light in this world. To shine bright just like he always does. So I’m feeling absolute love.”
With obvious emotion in her voice, and wiping away tears, Grace added “There are no words, just like there were no words to tell him how much he’s loved and that he’s golden, no matter what.” Smiling through the tears, she laughingly added that she was glad that she brought along enough tissue.
Matheson’s caption on the video reads “Lots of emotion everywhere as families watch their Special Athletes set to enter for the World Games Special Olympics in Berlin Germany. Let’s cheer on our own Clearwater Champion Heavyweight Lifter, Ryan Kealey, as he competes over the next several days.”
Since funds raised exceeded expectations, the Canadian documentary team will be donating any excess funds towards the Special Olympic Canadian team in future.
You can follow Matheson’s updates at https://www.facebook.com/KmDocumentaryFilmAndDigitalStoriesInc.
