Some moments are bigger than the distance.
On Sunday, May 24, Kanen broke the Under 16 Boys Wheelchair Distance WFDF World Record with an official throw of 15.84 metres (52 feet), launching a flying disc farther than anyone in his category had ever done before.
But if you were there, you know this was never just about the throw.
It was about a young person choosing to step into a big moment. It was about family, friends, classmates, teachers, and community members showing up to cheer him on. It was about possibility. It was about courage. It was about Kanen wanting to show that people with disabilities can do great things.
And that is exactly what he did.
Meeting Kanen
I first met Kanen in November 2025.
From the beginning, there was something special about the idea of helping him attempt a world record. Not because records are easy. Not because we knew exactly how it would go. But because Kanen had a spark.
He had a goal.
He had nerves too, of course. That is part of doing something meaningful. But he also had people around him who believed in him and wanted to help create a moment where he could be supported, celebrated, and challenged.
Over the months that followed, we started planning.
There were practices, conversations, ideas, schedule changes, venue discussions, and all the little pieces that go into turning a dream into an actual event. What started as a record attempt became something much bigger: a community celebration built around Kanen’s courage and determination.
Kanen chose the slogan “Level Up” for the event.
It could not have been more perfect.
The Record Attempt
The event was held at Rundle College Gym in Calgary, with family, friends, classmates, and supporters filling the space with energy.
Before the throw, people made posters, connected with one another, and helped create the kind of atmosphere every young person deserves when they are about to try something big.
Then it was time. Kanen rolled into position, focused on the task ahead, and let the disc fly.
With that throw, Kanen didn’t just break one record — he became the new Under 16, Under 17, and Under 18 Boys Wheelchair Distance WFDF World Record holder.
There was cheering, celebration, and the kind of joy that reminds you why sport matters so much. Not because of the scoreboard. Not because of medals or certificates or numbers on a page.
Because sport gives people a chance to be seen. It gives people a chance to try. It gives people a chance to discover what they are capable of.
More Than a Record
Kanen lives with cerebral palsy, but that is not the whole story.
The whole story is his effort. His courage. His willingness to try something new. His desire to use this moment to show other people that disability does not erase possibility.
In his interview, Kanen shared that he wanted to do this to show that people with disabilities can do great things.
That message matters.
Because every time someone like Kanen steps forward, tries something difficult, and allows others to witness the attempt, it creates a ripple effect. It gives another kid permission to dream a little bigger. It helps another family see what might be possible. It reminds a community that inclusion is not just about making room for people. It is about creating moments where people can shine.
Kanen did not just break a world record. He helped expand what people believe is possible.
Gratitude
I am incredibly grateful to Kanen and his family for inviting me into this journey.
I am also grateful to Rundle College for helping host and support the event, to the Rundle Studio community for showing up for Kanen, to CP Kids & Families for the important work they do, and to everyone who helped make the day special. To John, Tyler, and Candace for making this possible. Together, the community also raised around $600 for CP Kids & Families, adding another meaningful layer to an already unforgettable day.
A special thank you as well to everyone who came to cheer, make posters, support the fundraiser, participate in the adapted sport activities, and help turn this record attempt into a celebration.
World records are exciting. But the best part is always the people.
And on this day, Kanen had a gym full of people reminding him that he was not doing this alone.
Level Up
When Kanen chose “Level Up” as the slogan, it felt fun, bold, and perfectly him.
Now it feels even more meaningful.
Because leveling up is not just about reaching the next achievement. It is about becoming more confident. More courageous. More willing to try. More willing to be seen.
Kanen leveled up. And in doing so, he lifted everyone in the room with him.
Congratulations, Kanen. You are officially a world record holder!
And more importantly, you showed that when courage, community, and possibility come together, amazing things can happen.
