Special Olympics Team BC snowshoer Ashley Adie celebrated her 30th birthday the best way possible – with a National Games’ Opening Ceremony, followed by two gold and two silver medal wins.

“I beat all my times,” said Adie. “And when I woke up in the morning on my birthday (February 25) they decorated my door.” 

Adie was one of more than a dozen Special Olympics athletes from across Canada who celebrated their birthday while at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020. Before the closing athlete dance on Saturday, many of them gathered for a small celebration and Winter Games-themed cake.

According to SO Team Saskatchewan chef Darlene MacQuarrie, curler Daniel Fiedelleck has made a habit of celebrating his birthday (Feb. 25) at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games – this is his fourth time celebrating while

at the national competition. This time around, he rang in his 39th birthday in Thunder Bay with a number of celebrations throughout the week.

He received a signed card from his team and St. Paddy’s Day cookies (iced in SO Team Sask’s green and white colours), won a bronze medal, then closed out the Games with a final celebration alongside a dozen other athletes

before the closing dance. 

“He was floored,” MacQuarrie said of the birthday party. “His team got to come and we had cake, so they were happy about that.”

Wishing a happy birthday to all athletes who celebrated at the 2020 Winter Games:

• Special Olympics Team Manitoba 5 Pin bowlers Christine Hoffman (Feb. 25) and Jerry Jackson (Feb. 26).
• Special Olympics Team Newfoundland floor hockey player Nadia Brenton (Feb. 25) and 5 Pin bowler Paul Connors (Feb. 25)
• Special Olympics Team Saskatchewan curler Daniel Fiedelleck (Feb. 25)
• Special Olympics Team BC snowshoer Ashley Adie, speed skater Rene Girard (Feb. 25), 5 Pin bowler Corey Bennett (Feb. 26), figure skater Alex Pang (Feb. 27) and coach Ron Aaarstad (Feb. 28).
• Special Olympics Team Ontario figure skater Grace Morris (Feb. 25), 5 Pin bowler Michele Schroeder (Feb. 24), curler Ryan Brodhagen (Feb. 26), floor hockey players Steven Haderer (Feb. 29), Samantha Morin (March 1), Justin Williams (March 1), Dylan Armstrong (March 1).
• Special Olympics Team Nova Scotia 5 Pin bowler, Geoff Burnes (Feb.29).