Team BC 2018 athletes proudly entered the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Opening Ceremony to loud cheers, high fives, and lively music. For members of Team BC, this inspiring event at the Charles V. Keating Centre capped off a fun and memorable day in Antigonish.
Special Olympics BC – Cowichan Valley athlete Courtenay Rekis carried the flag for the squad from British Columbia. A dedicated swimmer and strong role model, Rekis’s hard work over the past few years have led her to crush her personal bests in the pool, improve her level of physical fitness, and become a confident competitor.
“I was really excited to find out that I was going to be the flagbearer,” Rekis said before the ceremony. “I am really excited and am honoured to do this for Team BC.”
In a memorable moment before the Opening Ceremony, Olympic silver medalist and Team Canada hockey player Blayre Turnbull from the nearby town of Stellarton welcomed all the Special Olympics athletes and wished them well.
After the Special Olympics athletes had entered the arena, they were treated to performances that highlighted the diverse cultures of the region. This included Indigenous drummers, bagpipers, and Highland dancers. The ceremony also included a version of O’Canada in English, French, Gaelic, and Mi'kmaq.
Award-winning musician Charlie A'Court also performed “Let Me Win,” the theme song to the National Games in Antigonish.
Athletes heard inspiring speeches from speakers such as Canada’s Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.
“I know that all of you have come here to win, but I also know that all of you will celebrate your colleagues’ successes as well,” McNeil said.
The Opening Ceremony included a touching tribute to Special Olympics Canada pioneer Dr. Frank Hayden, who was in attendance and received a standing ovation.
Read more about Dr. Frank Hayden
Following the Special Olympics Athlete's Oath and Coach’s Oath, Law Enforcement Torch Run members carried the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony, with the help of Dr. Hayden. Once the cairn was lit, the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games were officially declared open.
Ridge Meadows RCMP Constable Josh Brushett represented British Columbia on the LETR Final Leg team that brought the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony. BC LETR Provincial Director and Region XI (Canada) National Coordinator Rick Lucy also took part in the five-day run that raised awareness for Special Olympics in 32 communities in Nova Scotia.
Earlier in the day, Team BC had an opportunity to travel to Crystal Cliffs, a beautiful rocky beach just north of St. Francis Xavier University, where the National Games are taking place.
At the beach, teams from across Canada were treated to a delicious mussel boil, sponsored by 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Co-Presenting Sponsor Sobeys.
“I had a great time,” said SOBC – Quesnel athlete and Team BC soccer player Riley Foster. “I have so many favourite parts of the day it’s hard to pick one.”
Being in Antigonish has been extra special for Foster with it not only being his first time at National Games, but his first time travelling outside B.C.
We can’t wait for Wednesday, as competition gets going in athletics, bocce, basketball, golf, powerlifting, soccer, softball, and swimming. Check out our schedule to see which sports will be streaming online: www.specialolympics.bc.ca/streaming