Athletes from across the province are set to compete in the upcoming national games as Special Olympics BC takes its largest-ever winter team (SO Team BC) to the event.
“Being a part of SO Team BC is an amazing opportunity for me,” said SOBC Surrey speed skater Zack Thibeault.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to represent BC in my favourite sport.”
The 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are scheduled to take place from Feb. 27 to March 2, 2024, in Calgary.
Athletes will be competing in eight different sports including five-pin bowling, alpine and cross-country skiing, curling, figure and speed skating, floor hockey and snowshoeing.
“The energy and excitement of this 2024 provincial team is undeniable,” said Michelle Cruickshank, SO Team BC 2024 chef de mission.
“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.”
For the past nine months, SO Team BC athletes have been training three times a week with experts and focusing on exercise and nutrition.
In total, 142 athletes, 50 coaches and 14 mission staff, representing 31 communities, are travelling from BC to the Prairies.
The Special Olympics Games operate on a four-year cycle and athletes compete in regional and provincial events to advance to the national games.
The 2024 games in Calgary will see over 4,000 visitors from across Canada. BC’s youngest athlete is 14 years old, while the oldest is 78 years young.
“Through all of the adversity we have faced during and coming out of the pandemic, I know that they will do BC proud at (the) national games,” added Cruickshank.
“Their competitive spirit and sportsmanship will drive their success and inspire everyone watching.”
