Towards Tokyo 2020
Donation protected
I have just returned from Bogotá, Columbia where I had a successful competition on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. I competed in the under 59 kg category and claimed both a gold and silver medal in the junior divisions for Team Canada. My successful lift of 92 kgs was an international best for me and increased my ranking fourth overall in the senior mens category as well. Overall, this event has improved my Americas and World rankings as both junior and senior athlete in this weight class. This Bogotá competition was that last powerlifting event of this year, a mandatory event on the pathway to Tokyo.
If I qualify, I will be the youngest Canadian to represent Canada at this event. In order to accomplish this, I must attend international events. The next event that I will be participating in, is in Asana, Kazakhstan in July of 2019. As you can imagine, the expenses to travel to this event is vast including the athlete fees, accommodations and travel expenses. This is over and above the private training and nutritional requirements I have while training at home in Edmonton.
Earlier this year, I became the national champion setting new junior and open mens Canadian records with a successful bench press of 95 kgs. At past international events, my personal best was 81 kgs. So as you can see, I am making huge gains in the right direction. I have also claimed silver and bronze medals at international events since starting on this dream.
The path toward Tokyo qualification has been difficult as I have already missed one event due to medical/surgical complications in 2016-2017...part of my life of having Spina Bifida. This year, I had to overcome additional medical issues including a two-month long period of bed rest. This impacted my goals for the Bogotá event but thankfully, my hard work and dedication resulted in a successful competition despite the medical setbacks.
I have large dreams and behind every amazing athlete is a team of people cheering and helping along the way. Thank you in advance for helping me reach this goal. The money raised here will help with all of the associated costs to travel to these locations to represent Team Canada. I will make you proud.
You can also follow my athlete page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sparksparapowerlifter/
My athlete page on Instagram:
@therealdylansparks
If I qualify, I will be the youngest Canadian to represent Canada at this event. In order to accomplish this, I must attend international events. The next event that I will be participating in, is in Asana, Kazakhstan in July of 2019. As you can imagine, the expenses to travel to this event is vast including the athlete fees, accommodations and travel expenses. This is over and above the private training and nutritional requirements I have while training at home in Edmonton.
Earlier this year, I became the national champion setting new junior and open mens Canadian records with a successful bench press of 95 kgs. At past international events, my personal best was 81 kgs. So as you can see, I am making huge gains in the right direction. I have also claimed silver and bronze medals at international events since starting on this dream.
The path toward Tokyo qualification has been difficult as I have already missed one event due to medical/surgical complications in 2016-2017...part of my life of having Spina Bifida. This year, I had to overcome additional medical issues including a two-month long period of bed rest. This impacted my goals for the Bogotá event but thankfully, my hard work and dedication resulted in a successful competition despite the medical setbacks.
I have large dreams and behind every amazing athlete is a team of people cheering and helping along the way. Thank you in advance for helping me reach this goal. The money raised here will help with all of the associated costs to travel to these locations to represent Team Canada. I will make you proud.
You can also follow my athlete page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sparksparapowerlifter/
My athlete page on Instagram:
@therealdylansparks
Organizer
Dylan Sparks
Organizer
Edmonton, AB
