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Braydon Luscombe going to 2014 Sochi Paralympics

VISAS athlete from Duncan in Austria to prepare for Winter Games in Russia
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BRAYDON LUSCOMBE WILL represent Canada at the 2014 Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) is proud and excited that one of their own is heading to the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Winter Games. Twenty-one-year-old Braydon Luscombe of Duncan has been chosen to represent Canada at the Sochi 2014 Paralympics.

Competing on the Canadian Paralympic alpine team as an above knee amputee in standing category, Luscombe headed to Austria last week for some final preparation and training for the upcoming Games. “It’s just mind boggling, we are unbelievably proud,” said Luscombe’s mother, Charmaine.

A former prospect athlete who moved up to the Canadian national team in 2011 after forerunning at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics Winter Games, Luscombe has recorded eight top-10 finishes on IPC Alpine World Cup circuit since his first World Cup season in 2012. He became the men’s Canadian giant slalom champion in 2013.

Luscombe was introduced to alpine skiing at Mount Washington Alpine Resort through VISAS Learn to Ski program when he was six years old, nine months after losing his right leg to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). Later on he skied with VISAS’s racing team until he joined the provincial team.

The Vancouver Island Mountain Sports Society (VIMSS) also supported Luscombe with his alpine race training through its Athletic Grant program, providing funds to assist in travel expenses to off island competitions.

Over the years VISAS has introduced thousands to the thrill of participating in snowsports at Mount Washington. Many who have embraced alpine and Nordic skiing, and snowboarding continue to share their experiences with family and friends – VISAS’s ultimate goal.

“It’s also been very satisfying for our race team coaches and instructors,” said VISAS president Brian Culley, “to witness the competitive spirit come alive in those who’ve challenged themselves to new heights. Once in awhile we are privileged to see firsthand this passion, drive, and dedication taken to the ultimate - in the realization of a Paralympic dream.”

VISAS instructors, past and present, wish  Luscombe the best of success in Sochi, and to all of Canada’s Paralympic athletes. The Paralympics go March 7-16.

– Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports