Twenty-three medals for a team of New Brunswick Special Olympians who competed in Calgary at the Canada Winter Games.
The athletes came home with 11 gold medals, five silver, and seven bronze.
“Everyone did extremely well. We had our curling team win a gold medal this year, which was a redemption from the last Winter Games when they won a bronze in Thunder Bay,” says New Brunswick’s Chef de Mission Emma Stone.
She says they were all very grateful for the wins, but it wasn’t all about the hardware, it was about the smiles as well.
“It’s just the unity and the inclusivity that these games represent and just watching everybody come together for games. National Games are no small feat. Over 1500 volunteers came and supported the games. Athletes wear smiles and they’re doing their best. It’s just an amazing experience and something incredible to watch.”
She adds there are many forever friendships formed at these events.
“There are so many athletes that walked by our athletes and they called them by their name. I saw one athlete from another chapter, run up to one of our head coaches and give them a big hug. They remember these people from previous years. The celebration of dance at the very end, the send-off is always what I consider the highlight of the week.”
Over 1000 athletes, head coaches, and other supporters from across the country took part at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, including 50 from New Brunswick.
Stone says as to what is next for the athletes, they’ll take a bit of a break this week, but next week they’ll get right back into their training, preparing for the regional games that will be held this summer.
Photo Gallery
