On Friday, February 21, Kaden Baum, the only Para Nordic skier at the 2020 Fort St John BC Winter Games, raced a 2.5km loop at Beatton Provincial Park in his sit-ski.
Baum has spina bifida and wears fibreglass splints on his legs.
Kaden really loves the sport and is always building up his strength and endurance. He belongs to Latch Hill Nordic ski team, and has done many races on that course and has participated in several big tournaments.
Donna Flatman, Kaden’s coach, has been working with him for three seasons now. She told us that Kaden attended a coaching course as the person for the coaches to practice coaching athletes in the sit-ski and he fell in love with it!
We were also able to interview Kaden's dad, Jeremy Baum, who commented that it has been a real blessing that Kaden has had everything funded, including flights. The family is having a great time in Fort St. John and are very grateful for the opportunity.
After the race finished, Kaden explained that he thought the race went well and although it was tiring, it was pretty awesome. At the age of 13, this is his first year competing at the Winter Games. When asked why he likes nordic skiing, he said he loves being outdoors and loves going downhill. Kaden is considered to be very outdoorsy, and loves to go camping and fishing. He also enjoys playing basketball with his 2 younger brothers.
Kaden has two more races on Saturday and possibly a relay on the last day of competition.