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Powerlifter breaking records for a good cause

September 29, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Sleno to attempt Provincial record

Powerlifting is a sport that combines technique and over all body strength and is as tough as the name implies.

You would think that being diagnosed with a disorder of the central nervous system would end a powerlifter’s career, but for lifter Nelson Sleno, it has become more of a rallying cry and the resolve to not let the disease take control of his life.

Sleno was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 15 years ago.

“For the last three years I have managed to overcome, with the help of my medications, the hold that Parkinson’s Disease had me bound by for the previous 12 years. I still have the disease and I get more symptoms to deal with as time passes but I deal with them,” Sleno said of his battle with the disease.

Previously a competitive powerlifter, he had given up the sport prior to being diagnosed. But since taking control of his illness over the past three years he has written a book titled ‘Shaking Hands,’ as well as a sequel, and got back into competitive powerlifting – his first competition in 20 years.

He established two Ontario records in the 60+ years and under 59 Kilo class with a 120 kilo (264 lbs) squat and a total lift count of 305 kilos (671 lbs).

Powerlifters compete in three lifts – the bench press, squat, and dead lift. The combined weight of successful lifts goes toward the final score.

Sleno has now turned his return to powerlifting into more than just setting a record.

At an upcoming competition in Oakville, he will attempt to set a Provincial record in his class while raising money for the Southwest Ontario Parkinson’s Association.

“I’m challenging the public to become part of my lifting team to help lift the burden from the shoulders over 100,000 Canadians (who have Parkinson’s),” he said.

He hopes to raise $10,000 in pledges for his attempt at the record.

There are two divisions in powerlifting – equipped and classic. In the classic style in which Sleno will be competing, other equipment such as knee wraps are not allowed. Only a belt is used for support.

“Two years go during my last competition, it was supposed to be a done deal for me due to the Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s doesn’t get any better, it just gets worse which makes everything harder to do,” he explained. “I was two years older and two more years into having Parkinson’s.”

Sleno really believes in his reasons for raising funds for research.

“It didn’t mean anything for me to compete again unless I had a super motivation. I would like to think there is going to be a cure and by raising funds – every little bit helps – we will get closer toward that cure or to provide services that are badly needed by Parkinson’s sufferers. I thought a $10,000 goal would be worth lifting for.”

Sleno will compete in the Titans of Mississauga Powerlifting Competition in Oakville on October 15.

“It’s now about me,” he said of the effort. “It’s about setting an example for other people with Parkinson’s – that you can live your life if you set your mind to it.”

You can find out more by visiting the Parkinson’s website at: www.parkinsonsociety.ca.

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