Former Humboldt Bronco and Airdrie resident Ryan Straschnitzki recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his significant contribution to the community, Alberta and Canada.
“I was a bit shocked because there are countless people who deserve to be recognized in this way and it is a huge honour and privilege to be chosen,” says the humble athlete.
A survivor of the devastating 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, Straschnitzki has since dedicated his life to removing financial barriers for those trying to reach their goals through rehabilitation and adaptive sport.
For the last three years, he has been working hard to create and operate the Straz Strong Foundation, a charitable organization that aims to empower individuals with disabilities. It does so through improving access to adaptive sports, providing adaptive equipment to those in need, and featuring stories about individuals overcoming challenges to inspire and educate the community.
“We have given out 10 pieces of adaptive equipment and recorded a number of mini documentaries to showcase how the money we raise is impacting athletes’ lives,” he says.
“We are always looking for partnerships and ways to fundraise so we can have sustainable income and make even more of a difference.”
Straschnitzki adds that the desire to give back to the community has been instilled in him since he was a child.
“Growing up as a hockey player, you are always taught to give back, and after the accident, the community came together to give so much to me and my teammates, so now it’s my turn.”
In addition to his work with the charity, Straschnitzki is also training for the 2028 Paralympics in both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair racing.
“I’m trying as many sports as I can so I can have the best chance of making it to the Paralympics,” he says.
“I want to thank Airdrie for their continued support of me and my causes and hopefully I can make it to the Paralympics and bring that gold medal home.”
He also inspires greatness in other through storytelling. Straschnitzki takes part in speaking engagements all over the country on a range of topics including overcoming adversity, mental and physical toughness, inspiring change through adaptive sports, and the power of positivity and kindness.
Learn more about the Straz Strong Foundation at strazstrongfoundation.com.
