Special Olympics BC – Trail coach Jacob Plett said the atmosphere in the University of Prince Edward Island gymnasium was “electric” this morning as he walked into the Opening Ceremony for the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships with other members of Team BC 2018. 

The coach for the Port Alberni Alley Oops 5-pin bowling team, Plett says the squad is “so excited” to get underway with the Bowling Championships.

Today’s Opening Ceremony in Charlottetown featured amazing entertainment from local artists, including P.E.I. pop songstress Rachel Beck, whose soulful tunes provided the background music for the ceremonial flag raising.

The audience was also treated to a Mi'kmaq presentation by musical group MicMac Legends, who performed traditional songs and dances for the crowd.

The Opening Ceremony featured remarks from Prince Edward Island dignitaries and Special Olympics Canada Chief Executive Officer Sharon Bollenbach. The Bowling Championships were officially declared open by P.E.I.’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Antoinette Perry.

SOBC – Surrey coach Bryan LeBlanc had the honour of leading the Coach’s Oath at the ceremony. He said it was great to be in front of the crowd and was “a cool thing to do.”

The energetic event was capped off by Juno award nominee and iconic P.E.I. singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant, who closed the festivities with an uplifting performance that got the crowd on their feet.

Before Team BC left the venue, the bowlers gathered for a group photo and pep rally in the gymnasium, ending the memorable morning with some “awesome cheers,” according to Chef de Mission Leslie Thornley.

Ten-pin bowling athlete Amanda Littlejohn described the ceremony as “really good” and enjoyed the experience of walking in with Team BC, who were led by flagbearer and SOBC – Comox Valley athlete Linda Careless.

Check out more photos of the Bowling Championships Opening Ceremony

After the Opening Ceremony, 10-pin bowlers headed to Tyne Valley Bowling Lanes for a practice session and to check out the venue. Littlejohn says she is looking forward to competition tomorrow and getting some rest after an exciting day.

Five-pin bowlers will be heading to Murphy’s Community Centre in downtown Charlottetown this evening for their practice time, with competitions kicking off at all venues tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned for more Team BC news and updates!