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Ken Rouche, Racer
Ken
has a progressive degenerating retinal disease known as Inverse Retonitis Pigmentosa and
has been legally blind since the age of nine. Other than light and dark
perception, he possess no central vision and
retains very little peripheral vision. This makes things in life
challenging to say the least, but skiing has been one of the most worth
while challenges he has ever had to overcome.
"By giving me physical performance goals and the
incentive to focus on achieving them, I truly believe, if skiing does not
kill me, it will save my life."
Having
began his skiing only 5 years prior, he is extremely involved with
Chicopee's Track 3 program, a volunteer organization designed to teach
disabled individuals how to ski.
Ken
just complete is first year as a member of ODART and competed in
March/2001 at the Canadian National Disabled Alpine Ski Championships.
"I can not begin to explain the indescribable rush I achieve from
even recreational skiing, but to train & compete as a racer has taken
my love for the sport to a whole new level."
When
not skiing, Ken is a Massage Therapist, does weight training and martial
arts which he introduced his racing guide and long time friend, Ted
Schneider. To further develop the important chemistry required to
succeed, the two men can be found on their roller blades.
A
dedicated competitor Ken:
· Graduated in 1996 from Canadian College of
Massage & Hydrotherapy with the highest (96.33) average in a class of
250 people.
· Surpassed all personal best by acquiring 23.3
pounds of lean muscle mass in just 12 weeks.
· Support & raising of his 14 year old
son, Charles, another great skiier.
Ken
is an active promoter of both the Ontario Disabled Alpine Race Team but
our sponsors who make this all possible for us.
The
team is also lucky to have a Ken with his amazing therapeutic hands
acquired through his years as a registered massage therapist.
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