Beyond the Weights, Unveiling the story of an Autistic Powerlifters life journey as he is set to represent Canada on the World Stage at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany 2023.
There is more to this story than simply training to lift weights, its also a story of how a young man embraced his disability and in the process discovered an inner power that is changing the world one lift at a time. Working with Ryan and his support network, we are producing a powerful impact story about the Autism experience as seen through the eyes of someone with lived experience and the effect it has on them and those around them.
Diagnosed with Autism at four years of age, Ryan Kealey, now 27, has navigated his way through life dealing with discrimination, misunderstanding, and bullying while struggling to make sense of a chaotic and at times cruel world. Inspired by comic book superheroes and born with a strong sense of injustice, Ryan wanted to be like them, superpower strong, to be able to stand up for those dealing with injustice. His journey began eight years ago with trainer Jordan Sernaggia in Kamloops, BC. Last February Ryan won a national championship lifting a combined 577.5 kilograms.
Ryan does not care about winning medals, he simply competes to improve himself and in the process help other disabled athletes to become the best they can be. He is an inspirational leader and mentor to all. Ryan is strong, super strong in fact, but his true power reveals itself in his compassionate and caring heart. He has joined the Canadian Special Olympics Team and will represent his Community, Province, Country, and most importantly the disabled community on the world stage at the World Special Olympics Games in Berlin Germany, June 2023. A place where dreams come true.
His journey is a powerful inspirational story that has the ability to change people's perceptions and to create a better understanding of the possibilities of those struggling with mental disabilities.
We are raising money to hire a Film and Sound Production Crew in Berlin as well as in Kamloops. The support is needed to cover expenses (flights, accommodation, meals, extra baggage fees, etc.) for our Producer/Director to attend the games, direct the film and document the Kealey family as they experience the excitement and complex emotions as Ryan competes for his first time on the world stage. We do not have time to approach traditional sources of funding due to the time constraint as this story is unfolding in real time and the Games are only weeks away.
By supporting this film project you can take great pride in knowing that your donation has helped raise awareness and a better understanding of mental disabilities like Autism. Your financial support is greatly appreciated and will help make the world a better, more kindly place for those that deal with the challenges of mental disabilities on a daily basis.
Thank You. Ken Matheson. Director/Producer.
Berlin games Link:
https://www.specialolympics.org/our-work/games-and-competition/world-games/special-olympics-world-games-berlin-2023
CFJC News Article, Adam Donnelly:
