After months of training and preparation, Team BC 2018 athletes got off to an excellent start at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The first day of competition saw Team BC athletes thrive in many sports and rack up an impressive medal count.
In athletics, runners from British Columbia tore up the track as they raced to some spectacular finishes. Special Olympics BC – Surrey runner Malcolm Borsoi showed speed and resilience as he turned on the jets during the final part of his 1,500-metre race, breaking free of the other runners and capturing gold. In another highlight, SOBC – North Shore athlete Kristina Tammark and SOBC – Fort St. John athlete Sheryl Jakubowski both found themselves on the podium after finishing second and third respectively in their 10,000-metre race.
Jakubowski said it felt great to win a medal and she is looking forward to trying her best in her remaining events.
Team BC swimmers shone during their first day of competition at the St. Francis Xavier University Alumni Aquatic Centre pool, capturing 10 gold, 10 silver, and 20 bronze medals. Many athletes earned multiple medals, including SOBC – Cowichan Valley’s Mikyla Carlow and SOBC – Penticton’s Amanda Schleppe, who finished the day with three medals each. Carlow cruised to gold, silver, and bronze finishes and Schleppe collected one gold and two bronze medals.
At the bocce courts, each Team BC bocce player competed in their first official game. Every match was close and competitive, and Special Olympics athletes on all teams showed great sportsmanship. Many Team BC bocce players won their first game, putting them in a great position going into the rest of the week.
SOBC – Kelowna athlete Tony Wilkinson said he has enjoyed the bocce tournament so far and he plans to continue to give his all.
“Of course I’m focusing, and hopefully I will do my best; that’s the most important goal,” he said.
In a memorable moment, Canada’s Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan and Central Nova MP Sean Fraser visited a Team BC rhythmic gymnastics practice to meet with the athletes and wish them luck. The rhythmic gymnasts demonstrated a routine for their honoured guests, which ended in hugs and high fives all around.
Read about the Government of Canada’s vital support of SOBC
Thursday is shaping up to be a big day for Team BC with competition in athletics, bocce, basketball, golf, soccer, and swimming. Check out our schedule to find out when the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will be streaming events online.