Miss-Delectable
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Deaf Port Dover snowboarder soars - St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA
The Canadian Deaf Sports Association has selected a Port Dover man to represent Canada at the 17th Deaflympics in Slovakia next month.
He's 21-year-old Dustin Wills of Dover Ave.
Wills has been snowboarding since the age of 14. He qualified for the Canadian team during trials at Mont Tremblant in Quebec Dec. 18-19. The Deaflympics in Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, begin Feb. 15 and wind up Feb. 27.
"I'm pretty stoked that I've been selected to represent Canada," Dustin said last weekend. "It means a lot to me. I'm very excited to go to Slovakia."
Wills suffered spinal meningitis as an infant and wasn't expected to pull through. He fought back, however, and recovered. The illness did severe damage to his inner ears, leaving him 100% deaf.
Wills and his family are raising money in the community to make the trip. His father Gary Wills is putting up some cash. However, the employee of U.S. Steel Canada in Nanticoke is still rebuilding his finances following last year's layoffs and lockout at the mill.
"I'm still trying to get back on my feet from the lockout," Gary Wills said. "So are a lot of other guys. But the support has been tremendous. They've donated $580 so far. The support we've received is awesome."
Dustin Wills, who is working toward a career in home construction, is making the trip by himself.
He will compete in the slalom and board cross events. Wills has advanced to the point where he can do freestyle tricks in mid-air and on rails. However, while in Slovakia, the events he is entered in will require him to rely solely on speed and balance.
Wills estimates the round-trip will cost $2,300. That doesn't include day-to-day living expenses. Those interested in learning more about Wills' trip to Slovakia can do so by calling 519-583-1793.
The Canadian Deaf Sports Association has selected a Port Dover man to represent Canada at the 17th Deaflympics in Slovakia next month.
He's 21-year-old Dustin Wills of Dover Ave.
Wills has been snowboarding since the age of 14. He qualified for the Canadian team during trials at Mont Tremblant in Quebec Dec. 18-19. The Deaflympics in Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, begin Feb. 15 and wind up Feb. 27.
"I'm pretty stoked that I've been selected to represent Canada," Dustin said last weekend. "It means a lot to me. I'm very excited to go to Slovakia."
Wills suffered spinal meningitis as an infant and wasn't expected to pull through. He fought back, however, and recovered. The illness did severe damage to his inner ears, leaving him 100% deaf.
Wills and his family are raising money in the community to make the trip. His father Gary Wills is putting up some cash. However, the employee of U.S. Steel Canada in Nanticoke is still rebuilding his finances following last year's layoffs and lockout at the mill.
"I'm still trying to get back on my feet from the lockout," Gary Wills said. "So are a lot of other guys. But the support has been tremendous. They've donated $580 so far. The support we've received is awesome."
Dustin Wills, who is working toward a career in home construction, is making the trip by himself.
He will compete in the slalom and board cross events. Wills has advanced to the point where he can do freestyle tricks in mid-air and on rails. However, while in Slovakia, the events he is entered in will require him to rely solely on speed and balance.
Wills estimates the round-trip will cost $2,300. That doesn't include day-to-day living expenses. Those interested in learning more about Wills' trip to Slovakia can do so by calling 519-583-1793.