East end athletes make their dreams come true in 2006  
Frost goes the distance

Kevin Frost and his guide dog, Nemo

Kevin Frost’s hard work and dedication to his sport paid off in 2006, leaving him with a collection of medals and some great memories.

The deaf and blind speed skater snagged numerous medals during the year and garnered himself a spot at the 2007 World Masters Championship in Calgary.

Early in the season he earned himself a silver medal at Lake Placid.

Frost later got a chance to compete at the Canada Cup for the first time. He won three gold and silver medals at the event, which was held in St. Foy, Quebec.

Later in the season he arrived home with four bronze medals and memories of a great experience after competing at the North American Short Track Championship held in Kamloops in March 2006.

As always, his guide dog, a beautiful black lab named Nemo, was the star attraction at almost all events he attended.

Not only did the athlete successfully compete against able-bodied skaters, he also found supporters among fellow speed skaters and even the general public. His goal has been to see his sport demonstrated at the 2010 Paralympics.

After dry land training over the summer, Frost was back on the ice before the holidays. In October he took third place in an Ottawa meet, and then in November he scored a bronze while competing in Kingston, Ontario.

In February Frost will head to Calgary to compete in the Masters International World.

It will be Frost’s first international event. Explaining he is in the best shape of his life, Frost said he couldn’t be more prepared for the meet.

He added although a medal would be great, Calgary is ultimately about showing people what they can achieve if they put their mind to it.
Carrey climbs new heights
This year, a 24-year-old Orléans native became the youngest Canadian climber to ever ascend Mount Everest. Jean-François Carrey scaled the summit of Mount Everest beneath clear skies on May 18. The stars were out, the snow sparkled with moonlight. He reached the top of the 8,607-metre peak just in time to enjoy a spectacular sun rise.

“It was like the sun and the stars and the moon were all lined up,” said Carrey’s father, Pat, who had spoken to his son via satellite phone after the perilous descent. “It was his day.”

Carrey reached the top of Everest on May 18 at about 5 a.m. Nepal time (around 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time). In doing so, the Louis Riel grad became the youngest Canadian ever to reach the summit. Perhaps more importantly, he achieved a dream he’s had since he was 11 years old, and one he’s been working towards in earnest for over five years.

Carrey knew it wouldn’t be easy. People have perished in the attempt. After conquering some daunting peaks in Alaska, Argentina, Mexico, and Nepal, he felt ready.

“This is it,” he said. “The top of the top.”

Although success was his ultimate goal, the Fallingbrook native considered the journey to be a victory in itself. It took him six years to acquire the climbing experience, the sponsorship assistance, and the money necessary to even have a chance at reaching Everest.
 

The Star December 29, 2006