Team Saskatchewan brings home more than medals from national Summer Games
Team Saskatchewan wrapped up five days of competition at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat on Saturday, capping a week that Special Olympics Saskatchewan says was measured in far more than podium finishes.
Saskatchewan athletes competed in athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming and 10-pin bowling. The Games opened Aug. 11 and drew more than 1,700 athletes, coaches and mission staff from every province and territory.
Flame and thunder. Drummers perform on stage as the Flame of Hope burns during opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat on Aug. 11. PHOTO COURTESY SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN
Green and gold on the pitch. Team Saskatchewan soccer players gather on the sidelines during competition at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat. PHOTO COURTESY SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN
"Every athlete who wears the Saskatchewan jersey has already achieved something extraordinary," said Rhae-Ann Holoien, executive director of Special Olympics Saskatchewan.
"We are celebrating every medal earned, every personal best achieved, every teammate encouraged, and every friendship formed."
Holoien said the week was full of athletes cheering on competitors from other provinces, teammates marking each other's results, and volunteers and coaches backing the team throughout. Families followed the competition from home.
The opening ceremonies on Aug. 11 included the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the lighting of the Flame of Hope.
Coaches and mission staff spent the past year preparing the Saskatchewan team for national competition.
"Our athletes continue to inspire everyone around them through their courage, resilience, and joy," Holoien said. "Whether they return home with a medal, a personal best, or a new lifelong friend, every member of Team Saskatchewan has made our province proud."
Special Olympics Saskatchewan serves more than 1,000 athletes in 15 communities, offering year-round training, competition and leadership programs for people with intellectual disabilities.