EDMONTON, AB January 8, 2019- Today marks the one month countdown to the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Calgary!
From February 8 to 10 over 700 athletes from 64 communities across Alberta, along with N.W.T. and Saskatchewan will come together for the largest sport event for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the province.
“Our Provincial Games is a unique opportunity to bring together our Alberta communities and create an inclusive and competitive experience showing the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities,” said Johnny Byrne, president and CEO of Special Olympics Alberta.
“This event allows our athletes to reach their personal bests and connect with athletes across the province.”
Athletes will compete in 8 winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating. The event begins on February 8 at 7 p.m. in the Winsport Arena with the opening ceremonies.
From 10-year-old Will Singleton to 72-year-old Anne Douglas, #Calgary2019 will feature the best athletes from across Alberta playing their hearts out.
“The Games Organizing Committee has been working very hard ensure the athletes have an outstanding sporting competition and also the opportunity to make new connections with athletes from around Alberta, NWT and Saskatchewan,” said Karen Saunders, Games Organizing Committee co-chair.
“All athletes are competing for a spot on the provincial team, so the action will be fierce.”
Celebrate strength, sport & spirit as athletes of all ages, gender, and abilities will showcase their talents for the chance at gold.
Athletes and coaches from the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games will have the opportunity to advance to Team Alberta, where those selected will compete at the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“Our Opening Ceremony is on February 8th at 7:00 at Winsport is open to all so come out and cheer on our athletes,” said Karen.
2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games
The 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games will celebrate strength, sport and spirit. Over 1,100 athletes, coaches and mission staff representing over 23 Alberta communities and N.W.T. will compete in Calgary from February 8 to 10, 2019. The Provincial Games will feature 8 sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating in venues throughout Calgary. Opening ceremony will be held on February 8 at Winsport Arena, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, with over 2,000 expected fans.
For more information on the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, visit www.specialolympicsalbertawinter2019.com. Follow the journey of athletes and the host town on social media with #Calgary2019 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Special Olympics Alberta
Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities.
Special Olympics Alberta’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 1,200 volunteers. For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/alberta and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.
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