PJ KWONG
TSN.CA
The stands were packed with fans on both sides as Great Britain and Canada squared off on the basketball court earlier today in Abu Dhabi at the Special Olympics World Games.
The competition was intense, but Team Canada never gave up hope. With the tally in favour of Great Britain at 22 – 19 in the last minute of the game, it didn’t look promising. And then, Canada rallied. The clock said :14 seconds remaining as the Canadian ball dropped in the opposing team’s basket. The crowd went crazy.
“Let’s Go Canada! Let’s Go!” was the chant heard throughout the hall.
The final score was Great Britain 22 and Canada 21. No tears for the Canadians though, only a standing ovation from the crowd.
Head coach Camille Gardner was candid in emphasizing that this was a team that the Canadians hadn’t seen or played against before. Gardner said that Team Canada will be more prepared with defense strategy for the next two games starting with Canada vs Israel on Saturday.
Gardner’s philosophy? “Have fun and work hard. But working hard comes first.”
The hard work shows!