Athletes excel at Special Olympics hosted in York

July 16, 2013 · 0 Comments

Schomberg resident Brad Ough with his golfing bronze medal at the Special Olympics closing ceremonies on Saturday night. Pictured with his parents Norine and Brian.
By Jeff Doner
The 2013 Summer Special Olympics went off without a hitch in York Region this past week, with all municipalities welcoming athletes from all over the province and staging a variety of events.
There’s no doubt that the games provided a lift to York Region, with strong friendship, camaraderie, sportsmanship and teamwork front and centre throughout the weekend.
The games officially opened on Thursday night as athletes were treated to a dinner and opening ceremonies.
In King, the soccer athletes were housed at Seneca College King Campus and filled the dining hall with anticipation and excitement for the start of the games.
Tina Disimone, Dean at Seneca, was thrilled that Seneca was able to be a part of the Special Olympics.
“It is wonderful for us. First of all, we have a really great relationship with York Region Police, so to even be asked to participate in the Special Olympics is a big deal for Seneca,” she said. “We’re really engaged with the community, especially this campus, because we have all our community studies programs, so it’s about reaching out to the community, so this for us is sort of a badge of honour to be asked to participate and to host 230 athletes and coaches engaged in soccer. We’re proud, very proud. It’s also great for York Region as a whole.”
Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who provided dinner for the 230 athletes and coaches who stayed at Seneca on Thursday night, added King Township was proud to be a host for the games.
“All the municipalities are delighted to participate in it and host different events,” he said. “Sport has incredible benefits to everyone and in particular event. The Special Olympics is near and dear to everybody’s heart and we’re just delighted that we can participate.
“Sport is important to the growth and development of our youth, but also for adults as well. Having a healthy, active community is very important and we will do whatever we can to foster sport and recreation in King.”
In total, York Region welcomed over 1,000 athletes for the games, making it the largest provincial games yet.
The athletes competed in softball, soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, golf and track and field, with each sport being held at different venues across the region.
King was well represented at the games with many athletes competing in all the events.
Maggie Cowels, a Special Olympics veteran, played on the Newmarket Challengers softball team.
During a game on Saturday, Maggie said she was happy to be taking part.
“I’m having a lot of fun,” she said with excitement. “We had the opening ceremonies on Thursday, games all weekend and I’m really having fun with my team.”
Nobleton native Natalie Doyle played for the Barrie Lightning soccer team and was beaming about her team and being able to participate.
“I’m having a great time. It’s awesome,” she said during half time of their game against Peterborough. “I’m making new friends, I’m having fun and we’ve got two wins so far. We’re working hard and doing what we can. That’s all we do, is try our best.”
Despite the fact that she wasn’t playing for her home team, Doyle fit right in with the Barrie squad.
“I’m representing Barrie here even though I am from Nobleton and it’s an honour to play with them because they are great and I’m so glad I got this opportunity.”
Barrie coaches had nothing but great things to say about Doyle and her team first attitude.
“She is just a pleasure to have on the team. She is an amazing teammate and player and is integral to the team.”
Another familiar face to take part in the Special Olympics was Bradley Ough. In the past, Ough played for the Newmarket Challengers softball team in the summer games, but this year elected to switch to golf for the first time.
It was a big move for Ough, but proved to be a good one, as he earned a bronze medal to bring back to King and add to his collection.
On Saturday night, over 1,000 athletes and 500 volunteers took to the Ray Twinney Complex in Newmarket to take part in the closing ceremonies where the athletes were celebrated before turning into an all out dance party.
Regional Chair Bill Fisch said the games were a resounding success.
“Over the last four days, York Region has been transformed,” he said. “I’m so proud our community came together. Everyone here is a winner. I have never enjoyed myself so much.”
Police Chief and co-chair Eric Jolliffe was equally proud of the Special Olympics and all the athletes.
“It’s been a great three days here in York Region,” he said to a raucous crowd. “The level of sportsmanship has been truly incredible. We have truly enjoyed being a part of these games. Athletes, you are truly inspiring.”
York Regional Police hosted the event for the second time and officers joined civilian volunteers to make the event possible.
Special Olympics Ontario is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit by offering year-round training and competition in 18 core sports.
More than 18,000 athletes in 1,700 clubs across the province reap the benefits of participating in Special Olympics, which include improved fitness levels, self-confidence, an opportunity to experience and succeed in sport and understand teamwork and leadership.
For results and more information, visit www.specialolympics2013games.com.