Grande Prairie’s Special Olympics curling team is joining Team Alberta at the upcoming 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.
Athletes are set to compete in eight winter sports including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, curling, floor hockey, speed skating, snowshoeing, and five-pin bowling.
Head Coach of Grande Prairie’s Team Alberta curling team Mark Heartt says there has been a noticeable difference among his athletes after being named to the Alberta training squad.
“They are so committed to Team Alberta and the training plan we developed back in May at our first training camp,” he says. ” Being a part of the team has been an amazing experience for our athletes and coaches.”
Additionally, the trip marks the first at the national level for some athletes and is the second time for several others with their same teammates. According to Team Alberta, the games represent the chance for their athletes to go to the “next level” with Special Olympics and qualify for World Games.
“My favourite memory is winning the gold medal at the 2023 Provincial Games,” Team Alberta curler Steven Biendarra says. “My dream is to make it to Nationals and Worlds.”
The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are scheduled from February 27th to March 2nd, when over 100 Team Alberta athletes, staff, and coaches will join hundreds of others from across the country to fight for gold.
