Local participants at the 2014 Special Olympics summer games in Vancouver last week are back home and proudly wearing some new hardware around their necks.
Swimmer Ryan Roznowsky was the top medalist from the Peace Region, and has earned his way to the World Games in Mexico in November.
“I won four medals in individual events and one relay. My favourite moment was actually winning a medal in my 200 metre fly and 100 fly.”
He says he enjoyed meeting some of his Team Canada teammates who will be going with him.
Also from Grande Prairie, 10 pin bowler Doug Hutt managed to bring home two gold medals and a silver, and got a huge welcome back to Alberta.
“Once we landed in Edmonton and came off, the TV cameras were there. They started off shining on the medals and then they went to the face and I had a big smile.”
5 pin bowlers also did well, as Daniel Keown earned a bronze medal and Desiree Rehm of Sexsmith a silver, with the rest of their team landing in the top eight.
Charlie Cramer is their coach, and says it’s clear their hard work since October has paid off.
“It was well worth it just when the guys received the medals and how proud you are of them, seeing them up there on the podium.”
Also on the team were Gary Jantz, Boyd Kobe, and Tiffany Hutt.
Doug Edey placed fifth in golf.
Photo: 5 pin bowling coach Charlie Cramer, 10 pin bowling medalist Doug Hutt, and swimming medalist Ryan Roznowsky.