This weekend, January 29-31st, the 2016 Canadian Karate National Championships come to the Richmond Olympic Oval. Joining the BC team this year, are two athletes (and Father/Son) with disabilities (AWAD), Liam Surry and Neil Surry. Liam will be competing in the under 17 category for athletes with a physical disability and Neil will be competing in the over 17 category for athletes with a physical disability.
Liam Surry is a first kyu (brown belt) student in Goju Ryu karate at Shima Karate in Nanaimo, BC. He is also first kyu (brown belt) in Kobudo. He has been training under Sensei Kurt Nordli since 2005. Liam has competed since 2009 at the zone, and provincial levels in kata, kumite and kobudo. In 2014, Liam represented Zone 6 (Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast) at the BC Winter Games in kata and kumite. In 2015, Liam was invited to participate in the first Athletes With A Disability (AWAD) demonstration division at the Karate Nationals.
Liam has a genetic condition called Hereditary Multiple Exostoses that causes extra bone growth on limbs causing bone misalignment and restricting range of movement. A series of major orthopaedic surgeries were required in 2014 and 2015 on both his ankles and both knees. This was a major challenge for Liam but he didn’t let it stop him. He has worked hard to recover from surgeries and to continue his karate training.
The thrill of competition and the chance to meet new friends drives Liam in his competition path. He now helps to teach other students at Shima Karate and has recently completed the first level of karate official’s training.
Neil Surry is a fifth kyu student in Goju Ryu karate at Shima Karate. He struggles with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, stemming from a major burn to his chest, back, shoulders, left arm and left hand in 2008. In 2013, Neil had a neurostimulator implanted to help control pain levels, a device that must be at high levels for him to do karate, causing him to shake. He shares the same hereditary bone condition as Liam, limiting movement in his arms, legs and pelvis. A rigid steel brace helps to support Neil’s left leg.
Motivating other athletes with disabilities to strive for their goals is what drives Neil to compete. “It is not the medal that it is important, it is about never giving up and doing your best”, says Neil.
Liam and Neil encourage any athlete with a disability to try karate. “There are so many opportunities for athletes experiencing a variety of challenges to learn and train in a supportive and friendly team environment. For a little extra fun, excitement and a chance to meet new friends, athletes with a disability should consider competitions at the zone, provincial and national levels”, continues Neil.
For more information about the Canadian Karate National Championships, inluding schedule information, please click HERE.
