Special Olympics Canada (SOC) is excited to announce its roster for the Special Olympics Team Canada (SOTC) 2022 Training Squad.

“Naming the SOTC 2022 Training Squad is a beam of positivity and hope in a very uncertain and challenging time,” said Chef de Mission Charity Sheehan. “This opportunity is the pinnacle of years of dedication and hard work by our athletes. I am looking forward to supporting the team on the journey of a lifetime as they reach their full potential.” 

“In addition to being excited for the members of the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad, we are equally excited for the rest of the Special Olympics movement in Canada to Join the Journey with us,” Sheehan continues.

Please join us in celebrating all 108 athletes, 48 coaches and mission staff from across Canada who have qualified for the SOTC 2022 Training Squad with the potential to represent Canada at the next Special Olympics World Winter Games.

TRAINING SQUAD

Athletes who qualified, along with coaches and mission staff, are being named to the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad. The Training Squad will officially become Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 once the Squad progresses through all necessary SOTC training and the safety of international travel and mass gatherings specific to the 2022 Games is assessed. If at any time and for any reason, Special Olympics Canada deems the safety of athletes, coaches and mission staff is at risk in the lead-up to or while at World Games, SOTC will be withdrawn.

The journey to represent Canada on the world stage is already well underway for the SOTC 2022 Training Squad.

Earning a spot on the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad is a significant achievement. All 156 members have put in years of hard work at weekly programs and training, progressed through Regional and Provincial/Territorial competitions, and ultimately qualified through their performance at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.

Special Olympics NL is delighted to announce that 2 athletes and 2 coaches/mission staff from our province have been selected to the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad! 

Please meet Special Olympics NL members: 

Michael Budden - Cross Country Skiing  

Michael qualified for the SOTC 2022 while competing in Thunder Bay, ON at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2020 in sport of Cross Country Skiing.  
Taking home a Gold in the 2.5K Freestyle, Bronze in the 5K Freestyle, Gold in the 7.5K Freestyle and Gold in the 3 X 1K Relay!!
Congratulations to Michael Budden!  Home Special Olympics NL Club: Bay St. George Bravehearts!

Brandon Park - Speed Skating  

Brandon qualified for the SOTC 2022 while competing in Thunder Bay, ON at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2020 in the sport of Speed Skating.  
Taking home a Gold in the 500m, Silver in the 333m and Silver in the 222m!!
Congratulations to Brandon Park!  Home Special Olympics NL Club: Corner Brook Vikings

Dr. Neil Cheeseman - Team Doctor  

Neil is no stranger to being a part of a National Team Training Squad he has been an integral part of numerous Special Olympics World Games.  
Congratulations to Dr. Neil Cheeseman!

Rosie Ryan - Assistant Coach, Snow Shoeing  

This is Rosie's second time being part of a National Team Training Squad! She was also an Assistant Coach for SOTC in 2019 in the sport of Athletics.

Congratulations to Rosie Ryan!  Home Special Olympics NL Club: Bay St. George Bravehearts