The Summer Paralympics are being held next year and one Riverview man hopes to qualify for the games.
Matthew Kinnie just competed in the para-cycling World cup in Baie Comeau and is currently training for the Parapan American Games in Peru.
He hopes to secure a spot in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.
“There are fewer spots than there are athletes in classes so they’ll take the top athletes with medal potential in what ever classes that they fit in so it’s a pretty competitive process. Even if you are the best in your class in Canada it guarantee you’ll be able to go,” Kinnie says.
A number of fundraisers are being held to help Kinnie achieve his goal.
“It’s pretty cool that the community has come together to organize those on my behalf, it wasn’t something that was spearheaded by me, but different individuals took it upon themselves to support me,” says Kinnie.
Tomorrow, Malley Industries will be hosting the second of three pay-what-you-can BBQs at the Moncton Chrysler superstore from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
He says some neighbours are also contributing.
“Some local kids from my neighbourhood who see what I’m up to and kind of hear what I’m up to, they decided they wanted to help and really wanted to get behind what I’m up to and spearheaded a bottle drive. Obviously it takes a lot of money to fly around the world to these events and buy equipment and things like that,” Kinnie says.
On August 24th, a trailer will be set up on Venitian Drive and they will be collecting bottles from 9 am to 1 pm.
If you want to help but can’t make it out to these fundraisers, you can donate through Kinnie’s go fund me page.
