The National Winter Special Olympic Games are about to begin, and of the 250 athletes named to Team Ontario, two are representing Central Bruce Special Olympics, Justin LaBlance and Mike Bailey.
Although neither of the two athletes has been to Calgary, LaBlance said that this will be his second National Games. The Games that take place in Calgary from February 27th to March 4th, provide athletes, with an intellectual disability, the opportunity to showcase their talents and test their skills against their peers in fierce and exciting competition.
LaBlance of Saugeen Shores will be competing in five-pin bowling with teammates, Jennifer Sanderson of Wingham, Martin Sober of Owen Sound, Cheryl Clarke and Kody McInnis of Collingwood and Mike Bailey will compete in Nordic skiing competitions.
The bowling team will compete together and also as individuals. McInnis, at age 14, is the youngest competitor on Team Ontario.
Each athlete is also required to fundraise $1,400 towards their training camps, transportation, meals, accommodations and uniform expenses.
“Fundraising is where the community can help create an experience of a lifetime for these two local athletes,” said Special Olympics Coordinator and Coach, Cheryl Smethurst.
Donations are being accepted at Special Olympics Ontario
“Any donations received over and above the fundraising goal,” added Smethurst, “stay in the community to support Special Olympians in their sports.”
Among the many sports are curling, basketball, bowling, bocce ball, swimming, cross-country skiing and more for a nominal fee of $200/yr.
“We are always encouraging volunteers to join us,” says Smethurst, “along with athletes and those wanting to be coaches.”
For more information, email: centralbruce@specialolympicsontario.ca.
