A 10-year-old floorball player is stepping into the spotlight to help raise money for Special Olympics Canada. Rhyker Evanishen-Menzies became involved with Special Olympics when he was only eight years old after he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. “It was hard when Ryker was first diagnosed,” said Rhyker’s mom, Melissa Menzies. “Just being put into that community of everybody that’s so supportive… a part of Ryker’s life now, he has been welcomed into this community now, and everybody’s just been so great.” Rhyker hasn’t let the diagnosis get in the way of his love for sports, and he joined a Special Olympics floorball team, as the youngest player on a team with adults. Rhyker’s dad, Jesse Evanishen, says the program has had a positive impact on Rhyker’s daily life. “It’s helped his confidence a lot. Just being able to contribute and make a difference in his sport,” said Evanishen. The Prince Albert floorball athlete was approached by his coach, who thought he might be a good fit as a Saskatchewan youth ambassador for Special Olympics. Rhyker has had some highlights playing with the team, like “scoring goals, playing against the Raiders.” He also says he enjoys cheering on his teammates and showing support. His family was familiar with Special Olympics before Rhyker’s diagnosis because his dad had played some friendly games against a Special Olympics team, so they decided to let Rhyker give it a shot. “He tried it out a few times. Loved it,” said Menzies. “Found out he gets to play against different teams like the Raiders, the Bears, the Mintos and sometimes the firefighters. So, he really enjoyed it, and he played against the police once, so then we just kind of officially signed him up.” Outside of floorball season, Rhyker also enjoys baseball and football. As an ambassador, the fifth grader’s picture will go up in local grocery stores to draw attention to fundraising efforts that support teams like Rhyker’s through Special Olympics Canada.
