It takes a lot of strength, drive and determination for the sport of power lifting.
Ten New Brunswick Special Olympians have just that, and many also have gold medals to prove it.
Coach Steve Cormier says there’s no question about their ability and love of competition.
“When it comes down to it, we just want them to get exercise, and have a great time. To see them up on the platform when they’re competing probably brings the most joy to my life ever.”
Cormier says being a Special Olympian doesn’t limit anything for these individuals. He says if there are any mobility issues, they can switch up their training.
“They’re just the most amazing people, and they’re just as strong and willing as anybody else. When we go to a competition and we bring our athletes, they’re encouraging everybody else, everybody in the community. If there are other Special Olympians, we’ll get them to come over and hang out with us and warm up with us. It’s just about bringing as many athletes together as possible,” Cormier adds.
The ten athletes train at the Strength Factory, a gym located in Moncton.
Cormier says they were approached when COVID hit and all of the commercial gyms shut down. They needed a place for the Special Olympic athletes to train for power lifting.
“Health and exercise are the best way to prolong everybody’s life. I just wish that everybody would find something and just get healthier,” Cormier says.
