Fourteen members of the Bay St. George Special Olympics team are busy practicing for a provincial tournament this weekend.
“The athletes are so excited,” said coach Rosemary Ryan-Forsey. “You can see it in their faces that they’re having fun.”
Stephenville is hosting the 2011 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Championships from June 24 to 26.
About 150 athletes will be competing in the games, which encompass track and field events, as well as swimming events.
Ms. Ryan-Forsey said the public is encouraged to come out and support both the local athletes and all game competitors.
The track and field events are slated for Stephenville High School track and field grounds, while the swimming events are to be held at the Regional Aquatic Centre.
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This is the first provincial sport championships in the organizations history to be held in Stephenville. “Special Olympics is extremely excited about having the opportunity to bring our championships to Stephenville,” said Nelson White, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Executive Director.
“Our provincial championships are our marquee events that mark the culmination to the year for our community-ased clubs across the province. We are looking forward to a great event hosted by our newest club which is Bay St. George.”
“The athletes are so excited. You can see it in their faces that they’re having fun.” - Coach Rosemary Ryan-Forsey
The opening ceremonies will be held Friday, June 24, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stephenville High School track.
Competition will be starting 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 25. Track and field will be hosted at the Stephenville High School Track complex, and swimming will be held at the Stephenville pool.
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans with an intellectual disability through sport. It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 570 athletes of all ages and abilities. There are currently 13 community-based clubs that offer sport programs. Through sport Special Olympics offers athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community.
