CALGARY, AB February 1, 2019 - In one week we will celebrate strength, sport and spirit at the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Calgary from February 8 to 10!
“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.”
The opening ceremony will take place Friday, February 8 at Winsport Arena, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, with athletes entering by affiliate in true Olympic fashion. The Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg will carry the Flame of Hope into the ceremony as a symbol of courage and celebration to officially kickstart the Games.
Deputy Chief Ray Robitaille of the Calgary Police Service will welcome the Guardians of the Flame to formally light the Flame of Hope.
“It is an honour to support the Special Olympics and this electric event - the Opening Ceremonies of the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games,” said Deputy Chief Ray Robitaille, Calgary Police Service.
“Since 1981, LETR members have had the privilege of being guardians of the Flame of Hope, as well as ambassadors and fundraisers for Special Olympic athletes across the globe, a role members take much pride in.”
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.
They will compete in 7 winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.
“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.”
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.
The Winter Games website: www.specialolympicsalbertawinter2019.com is the best resource on all information from schedules to results. Special Olympics Alberta will be covering all the action on its social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #Calgary2019. Daily Games photos will be available on the Special Olympics Alberta Flickr account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/specialoalberta/albums
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 affiliates and N.W.T. will compete in Calgary from February 8 to 10, 2019. The Provincial Games will feature 7 sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating in venues throughout Calgary.
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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Media Contact
Kiefer Sutherland
Marketing and Communications
Special Olympics Alberta
P: 780-422-5505
ksutherland@specialolympics.ab.ca