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In my experience as a Spinning instructor, I have met many interesting participants, all with varying fitness levels, enthusiasm and drive. Each person brings different goals and challenges to class. Kevin Frost is one such special participant. At the age of 11, Kevin lost most of his hearing. He met this challenge by learning how to read lips then continued to lead an active, normal life. This life included a good job, a wife, three children and regular workouts at the gym. Two years ago, at the age of 35, Kevin was diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by the ultimate loss of both hearing and sight. Kevin lost his driver's license and was forced to leave his full time job. Currently, he has 20%hearing and 10% tunnel vision. He now uses the help of Nemo, a beautiful black lab and seeing-eye dog. Again, with his uncompromising attitude, Kevin faced this new obstacle by changing his life goals.  Having spent years on the ice both playing hockey and refereeing, Kevin decided to direct his love for skating towards speed skating. It is Kevin's goal to compete in speed skating in a future Olympic games. It is at this point that I truly came to know Kevin. Although I have known him casually for years (he has long been a regular face at the gym), in the past year, he has become a regular in the Spinning classes. He has chosen to use Spinning as a means to increase his aerobic capacity, build the muscular endurance in his legs and lose weight to prepare him for competition. This spring, I was honored to lead part of a class to raise money to help Kevin reach his goal. His dream has brought instructors and participants together in support. We cheer him on in each step or "pedal stroke" of his journey. I have come to realize that heroes come in many different forms. Some star in action movies in the theatre, some make the evening news for their bravery and some face a devastating illness or disease with grace and courage. These heroes, like Kevin, look past their hardships to do something extremely special with their lives. On Monday and Wednesday mornings when Kevin strolls into my class, two things make me smile. One is Nemo, our ever present spinning spectator and the other is the spark of determination in Kevin's eyes. Cathy Belanger Spinning Instructor Orleans Recreation Centre |