Team New Brunswick has flown to Calgary to compete in this year’s Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
Thirty-four athletes are representing New Brunswick and competing against teams representing Canada’s other provinces and territories to achieve personal bests and, in some cases, the opportunity to be named to Special Olympics Team Canada.
Emma Stone, chef de mission for Team New Brunswick, believes the event is more than just about winning medals.
“It’s about independence and going on a plane for the first time. Some people might not have ever been out of New Brunswick before and this is a huge life experience for them. A lot of athletes have gone to the Games before but we do have athletes and coaches where this will be their first experience for them so it’s really exciting,” said Stone.
The athletes will compete in 5-pin bowling, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, and speed skating.
The Winter Games includes Special Olympians of all ages.
“We do have a minimum age of 14 for a national game, but to my knowledge, there is no cut-off for a maximum age. We have an athlete there who is 65 years old,” said Stone.
The Games begin on Tuesday and continue through Saturday.
