British Columbia will be looking for bragging rights against the rest of the country as the BC Special Olympics Team prepares for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary from Feb. 27 to March 2.
Over 142 athletes, 50 coaches, and 13 mission staff are on the training roster for the province, including 11 from Campbell River.
The team will be competing in eight events: five-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating. However, Campbell Riverites will only be involved in curling and snowshoeing.
“The energy and excitement of this 2024 provincial team is undeniable. It’s been a long-anticipated wait for our athletes to be returning to competition at the national level. I am so proud of the commitment and hard work shown by all of these inspiring athletes, coaches, and volunteers,” said Michelle Cruickshank, Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Chef de Mission. “Through all of the adversity we have faced during and coming out of the pandemic, I know that they will do B.C. proud at National Games. Their competitive spirit and sportsmanship will drive their success and inspire everyone watching.”
Andrew Caulfield, Curtis Rinhofer, David Marsters, Matthew Basso and Mickie Hildebrandt will be brushing up on their sweeping skills, as well as rock-throwing, as they prepare for the curling tournament under the direction of coaches Cheryl Clay and Terry Kratzmann. Ashley Adie, Hazen Meade, and Reise Collins are involved in the snowshoeing competition as well, coached by Burton Collins and Maureen Hunter. Snowshoer Isiah Dyck from Sayward will also be involved. Also from Sayward is Mattheiu Dyck, who will be participating in floor hockey.
All the athletes qualified for their spots during the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kamloops, which took place from Feb. 2 to Feb. 4.
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