There will 38 competitors from Grande Prairie in Medicine Hat over the weekend for the provincial Special Olympics. Six of the athletes also work at Goodwill Industries in the city and got a special send off Wednesday. Employment Coordinator Sarah Cawthorne explains that it is an exciting time when they have athletes prepping for the event.
“We have been hearing about it for months and months. I can’t believe it is so soon. It is amazing that they get to go compete like this. When they get back, they tell us about how they got first or did well and it is just an amazing experience.”
Josh Grier, Anthony Driedger, Ashley Malcolm, Daniel Keown, and Chris McKee will be competing in bowling and Steve Grandjambe will be in the swimming competition. They are all part of the Power of Work career training with Goodwill.
Special Olympics Bowling and Golf Coach George Malcolm explains that it is a rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of energy.
“This is my second trip to provincials. It is always neat to prepare them throughout the years, get them ready and go with them. The organizing is the tiring part. It is good to see them getting excited about it too.”
Athletes from the competition could get picked to go onto Nationals next year. The provincial event runs from July 7th to 9th, 2017 in Medicine Hat.