The final day of the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games featured exciting competition, outstanding sportsmanship, and many memorable moments.
In team sports, every Team BC 2018 squad played for a medal on Saturday.
In basketball, the BC Ogopogos came out strong in their game against Alberta, winning the game 23-13 and earning a gold medal. SOBC – Kelowna’s Aaron Dixon received an all-star award, which he was nominated for by his teammates and coaches.
Dixon overcame many challenges to get to Antigonish, and he played an important role in his team’s win today.
“It was exciting to win gold today! I love basketball – it’s basically what I live for!” he said.
The BC Warriors basketball team took to the court against their rivals from Manitoba in a rematch of the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games final. The teams had already played twice in Antigonish, with the BC Warriors winning the first game and Manitoba coming out on top in the second game.
The BC Warriors played with heart and determination, but couldn’t stop Manitoba’s explosive offense. Manitoba took the game 37-28, and the SOBC – Langley squad secured silver.
On the softball diamond, the BC Capitals are taking home silver after a tight game against Nova Scotia. The SOBC – Victoria team tied the game in the bottom of the seventh with a home run, making the score 18-18. Nova Scotia would score another run, winning the game with a final score of 19-18.
“Getting silver feels good,” said SOBC – Victoria athlete Brandy Knight. “I couldn’t be any prouder of our team, we worked very hard.”
Before the game, the team wrote a message on the whiteboard of the classroom where they were getting ready: “This is our moment. We are the only ones who can defeat ourselves. We are great, win or lose. We have proven we belong! Kick butt, Victoria Capitals!”
The BC Thunder softball team gave a valiant effort in their bronze-medal game against Prince Edward Island. The P.E.I squad took the game 8-2.
After an excellent week on the pitch, the BC Rebels went into today’s gold-medal final with a terrific record of three wins, one tie, and zero losses. The soccer squad clinched silver in today’s match, with the Brampton, Ontario team winning the game 2-0.
In all sports this week, amazing Team BC fans have helped motivate athletes and cheer them on to some terrific results. In swimming, SOBC – Delta athlete Nick Johnston travelled from coast to coast to support his friend, SOBC – Richmond athlete Magnus Batara.
Johnston has been at the pool every day to cheer on Team BC and help out as a volunteer in the spectators’ area of the swim venue.
“It made me so happy to see Magnus do well and win medals!” he said.
Team BC athletes finished strong in athletics, capping off a great week full of memorable moments and personal bests.
In one of the highlights of the day, SOBC – Surrey runner Kayley Olund won a gold medal in the 400-metre, beating her personal best by an incredible seven seconds.
“I don’t know where that came from!” Olund said. “I just pushed it. I just did what I trained to do: run hard!”
As of Saturday afternoon, final results for athletics, bocce, rhythmic gymnastics, and swimming are not available. Once results become available, you can find them on the Special Olympics Canada website.