Sometimes when faced with overwhelming challenges we can feel as though it is "Easier said than done." However for some individuals, like Ryan Straschnitzki, founder of the Straz Strong Foundation, these types of challenges are mental battles that are meant to be overcome.
He may be a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, but his identity in recent years has been more defined by his commitment to paying it forward and his dedication to living an independent and meaningful life, with hope, resilience and leadership as his guiding principles.
Ryan Straschnitzki, 25, was recently honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal on Feb. 4 from Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt for making meaningful contributions to his community.
Straschnitzki was amazed to be nominated for the medal and to be recognized for moving forward with a determination to never give up.
“It was an incredible feeling to be nominated and recognized, but I know that the work hasn’t been over yet,” he shared, adding that: “We’re hoping to continue to bring change for the better.”
While Straschnitzki is thankful to the community for their continuous support, he also realizes he is adding serious value to understanding that injuries don't sideline athletes; if they learn to come back with a vision in mind.
With many endeavours, he focuses on one that is closest to him—training to qualify into the Paralympics as a wheelchair basketball player.
“I decided to try something new and I’m hoping that wheelchair basketball sticks and I can make the Paralympics that way,” Straschnitzki said.
He added that his goal would be to compete in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
“I’m going to try and learn as much as I can in the time being and try to work hard towards that goal.”
Challenging himself to see how far he can go in life has become his greatest source of inspiration.
Straschnitzki is fond of Jacob Wassermann, another Humboldt Bronco who suffered a similar spinal cord injury as him in the accident. Wassermann secured a spot for rowing in Paris 2024 in an event known as PR1 men's single sculls.
For Straschnitzki, the joy of life now lies in seeing what his true potential really is.
After the accident, he dedicated his time to learn how to face adversity.
“I knew there were two options I could take: one was giving up and not really making the most of this new life or trying to do what I could and bring some fulfillment into my life,” Straschnitzki shared.
Alongside his personal goals, Straschnitzki works tirelessly with the board members of his Straz Strong Foundation to remove financial barriers for people with disabilities, especially for those who are aiming to get into adaptive sports or may require rehabilitation needs.
“We’re trying to mitigate some of those financial barriers to provide equipment and at least some resources for people that might need help,” Straschnitzki shared.
Currently, the foundation's primary focus is to collaborate with other charities. Part of its mission to pay it forward involves purchasing adaptive equipment and creating documentaries that highlight the impact of donations.
These documentaries aim to shine a spotlight on individuals who benefit from the foundation's efforts, demonstrating the importance of contributing to its cause.
Recently, the Straz Strong Foundation also partnered with the Shine Foundation to donate a couple adapted mountain bikes to individuals with disabilities and spinal cord injuries.
Originally, the foundation was a non-profit started for Straschnitzki by his hockey coach while he was still in the hospital after the accident.
“During the pandemic, this money was just sitting in an account not really doing anything,” he said, adding that “I thought it would be cool to see what we can do with this money.”
Straschnitzki aimed to raise more money and give back to the community in bigger and better ways.
“It would be good for the community because they gave so much to me during my time of need that I thought it was important to give back,” he expressed.
