Delta will be well represented at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
Being held in Calgary from Feb. 27 to March 2, the 2024 National Games will be an inspiring opportunity for Special Olympics athletes to empower themselves and open hearts and minds as they set and achieve goals, build pride and confidence, and forge valued friendships.
Representing Delta will be athletes Kimberley Davies and Chelsea Kaake in curling, Tyler Coe, Darrin Greenstein and Kerry Lamb in five-pin bowling and Cory Duhaime in alpine skiing. Also on hand will be curling coaches Mark Smith and Tony Maniezzo.
“I’m so excited to be participating in my first Special Olympics National Games for B.C.,” said Davies. “We’ve been working hard with our coaches and want to bring home a gold!”
Since qualifying for their spots on SO Team BC 2024 through their performances at the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kamloops, the provincial team athletes, coaches, and mission staff have been hard at work to be at their best at the National Games, training at least three times a week for the last nine months. Training has included sport-specific work in their local Special Olympics programs, participating in Club Fit, additional fitness, and dryland training, working with sport-specific experts, and focusing on diet and nutrition.
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 these inspiring athletes, coaches, and volunteers,” said Michelle Cruickshank, Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Chef de Mission. “Through all 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.”
The 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will see more than 4,000 visitors from Canada’s 10 provinces and two of three territories, gather in Calgary, creating inspiring experiences of competition and friendship in eight sports. Supporters can find SO Team BC 2024 stories, photos, and more at: www.soteambc2024.ca.
