(Photo: submitted)
A New Brunswick curler who competes with Special Olympics is heading to the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier.
Jonathan Henry’s story was recently submitted in the “Curling Day in Canada” contest and it received the most votes.
His story celebrates the inclusion of those who have down syndrome, and with over 4,800 votes it took the win. It surpassed second place by over 2,800 votes.
Jonathan’s mom, Shirley, who submitted the story, says there was support for her son from around the world, “Some of the countries he had votes from were Brazil, South Africa, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, United States and Canada. He has touched so many lives.”
Jonathan is thrilled to have received the most votes. He says, “I can’t wait to see the Brier in 2022. Some day I’d like to meet the team.”
The inspiration for Jonathan’s story entry for Curling Day in Canada was Team Sweden. Shirley says, “On World Down Syndrome Day, after Jonathan got the eight-ender, and the team from Sweden posted a picture on their media page, pulling up their mismatched socks in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. My husband saw that story and then contacted the team. They started a connection with Jonathan. They are his favourite team. We met them down in Pictou County, when they were at a Grand Slam curling event, two years ago.”
She says they notified them to tell them about receiving the most votes, and they were very excited for Jonathan.
The trip to Alberta is for four people. Jonathan, along with his mom, dad and sister will make the trip to the Brier.
Shirley says, “We are able to go as an entire family The four of us can go and represent New Brunswick curlers, Special Olympics and the world of inclusion. The prize includes some Brier clothing, but we will try and take a little bit of New Brunswick with us as well.”
This will be Jonathan’s second Brier. His family were able to attend one in Halifax previously.
RELATED: Story Of Local Special Olympics Athlete Competing For Curling Day In Canada
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Jonathan hasn’t been able to curl this year, but he is hopeful for the fall.
“It will be amazing to get back on the ice. I think maybe we’ll be back in October, so I hope to be back on the ice,” Jonathan says.
He has shown he is a true athlete in a number of sports, including speed skating, swimming and curling.
Jonathan has been to five World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships, three Special Olympic Summer National games, three Special Olympic Winter National Games and last year, he was inducted into the Moncton Sports Wall of Fame for the sport of swimming.
