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.
VIEW THE FULL SOTC 2022 TRAINING SQUAD
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the safety of athletes, coaches and mission staff is at risk in the lead-up to or while at World Games, SOTC will be withdrawn.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.
The National Team Program (NTP) – a formal approach to training and preparing the SOTC Training Squad – is already underway virtually. While this year’s NTP will look different amid COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols, SOC is committed to ensuring this year’s SOTC 2022 Training Squad has the same opportunities that were available to previous SOTC athletes, coaches and mission staff.
SOTC 2022 Training Squad athletes started connecting with their coaches and continue to put in the hard work – with training, nutrition and mental prep – to perform at their best on the world stage.
SOTC 2022 TRAINING SQUAD INVITES YOU TO “JOIN THE JOURNEY”
As Special Olympics across Canada continues to respond to the challenges of keeping athletes connected and active during the pandemic, this year’s NTP is extending the invite to “Join the Journey.”
“Join the Journey” will provide an opportunity to invite Special Olympics athletes and coaches from coast to coast to coast to share in the joy of the SOTC journey, so they too can benefit from virtual training alongside the SOTC 2022 Training Squad.
This “Join the Journey” concept supports SOC’s commitment to grassroots programs by making available NTP resources to all Special Olympics Canada athletes and coaches. While the Training Squad benefits from increased training and tools, fellow athletes and coaches in community programs across the country can “Join the Journey” and enjoy training alongside the Training Squad. A win for everyone involved with Special Olympics in Canada from grassroots to the podium.
“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.” - Charity Sheehan, Chef de Mission
Follow SOTC and sign up for more information and profiles of the amazing SOTC 2022 Training Squad.
Congratulations to all 156 members!
