<div><strong>Push the Line. Break the Barriers.</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>A spinal cord injury at 16 changed how I move, but not how far I’m willing to go.
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<div>Now I’m pushing into adaptive mountain biking to break barriers and expand what’s possible.
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<div><br />
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<div>This is the next step in a journey built on resilience, purpose, and pushing past limits.
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>From Survival to Purpose: The Next Climb</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>At 16 years old, my life changed in an instant after an ATV rollover left me with a T4–T5 spinal cord injury.
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<div>What didn’t change was my drive to move forward.
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<div>Years later, I found that path again through para-cycling, and it became everything:
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<div>my therapy, my competition, my purpose, and my way of giving back.
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<div>Today, I’m a competitive road para-cyclist, working full-time while pursuing high-performance goals and building something bigger than myself.
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<div>But I’m not done pushing.
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<div><strong>The Next Step: Adaptive Mountain Biking</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>I’m working toward expanding into adaptive mountain biking, not just for competition, but for freedom, inclusion, and impact.
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<div><br />
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<div>An adaptive mountain bike would allow me to:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>Ride trails alongside friends, family, and teammates
</li>
<li>Access terrain that currently isn’t possible
</li>
<li>Train in new ways that build strength and performance
</li>
<li>Fully participate in the mountain biking community without barriers
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
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<div>This is about more than riding.
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<div>It’s about access, inclusion, and belonging.
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>The Reality of Funding</strong>
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<div>Here’s the part most people don’t see:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>I entered this sport later than most athletes
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<li>I live in Northern Ontario with limited local resources
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<li>I work full-time while training and competing
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<li>And most traditional funding pathways don’t fit my journey
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
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<div>Many grant programs are designed for:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>Youth development pathways
</li>
<li>Newly injured individuals in early rehabilitation
</li>
<li>Athletes already embedded in national team systems
</li>
</ul>
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<div>In Canada especially, funding for adaptive sport equipment is extremely limited. Most accessibility grants prioritize basic daily mobility, not performance equipment like an adaptive mountain bike.
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<div><br />
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<div>I am applying to additional funding sources, including some in the United States, but these opportunities are:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>Highly competitive
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<li>Limited in availability
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<li>Not guaranteed
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</ul>
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<div>So like much of my journey so far, this next step relies on <strong>community support.</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>Why This Bike Matters</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>These bikes are a significant investment, typically $20,000+ CAD once everything is included with customization, shipping, and setup.
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<div><br />
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<div>But what it represents goes far beyond the price tag.
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<div>This bike means:
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>Accessibility &amp; Inclusion</strong>
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<div>The ability to ride trails and be part of a community without limitations.
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<div><strong>Longevity &amp; Health</strong>
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<div>Staying strong, active, and competitive for years to come.
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<div><strong>Performance &amp; Progression</strong>
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<div>Expanding my training and continuing to grow as an athlete.
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<div><strong>Inspiration &amp; Advocacy</strong>
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<div>Helping shift the narrative around disability and what’s possible.
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<div><strong>Future Impact</strong>
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<div>My goal isn’t just to ride, it’s to give back.
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<div><br />
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<div>I’m working toward becoming:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>An ambassador for adaptive sport and accessibility
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<li>A mentor and coach for other adaptive athletes
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<li>Someone who helps open doors for others entering this space
</li>
</ul>
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<div>This bike is a critical step toward that future.
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>Impact Beyond Myself</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>I don’t just ride for me.
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<div><br />
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<div>I ride in support of something bigger.
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>Kids
</li>
<li>Mental health initiatives
</li>
<li>First responders
</li>
<li>Families facing challenges
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
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<div>Cycling has given me purpose, connection, and a way to give back.
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<div>With every mile, every race, and every new opportunity, that impact grows.
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<div>This next step isn’t just about expanding what I can do.
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<div>It’s about expanding who I can reach and help along the way.
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<div><strong>The Goal</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>I’m raising:
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>$25,000 CAD</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>This will go directly toward:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>An adaptive mountain bike
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<li>Custom setup and fitting
</li>
<li>Getting onto trails and into the next chapter of this journey
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
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<div><strong>Be Part of This Ride</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>If you believe in:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>Breaking barriers
</li>
<li>Creating access and opportunity
</li>
<li>Supporting someone pushing beyond limits
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
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<div>I invite you to be part of this journey.
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<div><br />
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<div>Whether you donate, share, or follow along, it all makes a difference.
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>Final Word</strong>
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<div>I’ve built this path through persistence, community, and belief.
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<div>This is the next step.
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<div><br />
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<div><strong>Push the Line. Break the Barriers.</strong>
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<div><br />
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<div>Let’s ride.
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<div><br />
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<div>— Kevin McKenna
</div>

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Help Kevin Break Barriers With Adaptive MTB

Help Kevin Break Barriers With Adaptive MTB

Still $11,112 to go. Help us build momentum.