Paralympian Search Success Story: ‘’I never thought I could have been an elite athlete’’

CALGARY – Visually impaired cyclist Lowell Taylor knew he possessed athletic skills back in 2015 when he attended the Paralympian Search in Calgary. But that day steered his life in another direction which he hopes will lead to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

‘’I never thought I could have been an elite athlete,’’ said Taylor. ‘’But being able to connect through the Paralympian Search I was able to see I have potential. The professionalism I saw at this event made it clear they wanted to find people at the highest level who can compete.’’

The next Paralympian Search, is set for Saturday November 24 at the Canadian Sport Institute in Calgary. It is a one-day athlete identification event designed to test participant aptitudes to excel in various Paralympic sports, and maybe one day represent Canada at the Paralympic Games. 

Taylor says sports enthusiasts with a disability should capitalize on the Paralympian Search opportunity.

‘’If you enjoy sports, you should get tested and have your skill levels measured,’’ he said. ‘’If you show potential, there is a sport out there that will help train you and get you where you need to be just like Cycling Canada has done for me.’’

The Paralympian Search also introduced Taylor into a sports community for people with a disability

‘’I loved the diversity of who was in the room that day,’’ he said.  ‘’I saw this community come together with all their unique struggles and all connected for sport. 

‘’I was talking to parents, meeting their kids and helping them. It felt like a community directed around excellence in sport.’’

For more information visit:  http://games.paralympic.ca/paralympian-search