Team Nova Scotia is departing to compete in the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay ON before sunrise on Monday, February 24th. 45 athletes competing in 7 sports (Bowling, Curling, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowshoe, Speed Skating and Cross Country Skiing) will be led by Chef de Mission Matt Quinn, 13 coaches and 5 Mission Staff. Quinn says, “National Games are such a great part of our organization. We have the opportunity to witness the power of sport, personal growth and athletes experiencing an event that will create lifelong memories.”
We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our athletes and their coaches. Athletes range in age from their mid-teens to over 70 years of age representing communities from across our province. Some have experienced National Games several times while for others it is their first time competing at this level. Some have never travelled outside Nova Scotia.
Flag Bearer Dereck Boutilier is a floor hockey player from Sydney NS.
Dereck, originally a Special Olympics bowler, is now a multi-sport athlete, not only participating in floor hockey, but also soccer, athletics and bocce. His story of dedication, adapting a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of his participation in sport is here:
https://www.specialolympics.ca/news/dream-playing-floor-hockey-helped-special-olympics-team-nova-scotia-athlete-transform-his-life
Through the power of sport, Special Olympics Nova Scotia offers a gateway to empowerment, competence and acceptance. Special Olympics Nova Scotia provides sport training and regional, national and international competition opportunities for 2500 local athletes of all ages and abilities. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport.
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games take place every four years. Athletes qualify to compete through regional and provincial/territorial competitions. The competition provides Canadian athletes with an ID a competitive opportunity and venue to pursue excellence and qualify for Special Olympics World Games.
For more information on our team, athletes, coaches and stories please feel free to contact John MacDonald, Special Olympics Nova Scotia for more information at 902-429-2266 ext 5 or 902-402-8257, jmacdonald@specialolympicsns.ca.
General information on the 2020 Special Olympics Canada National Winter Games can be found at http://specialolympics2020.com/
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