Thank you to everyone who was a part of the 2017 Summer Games that were held in Moose Jaw, SK on June 16-18. The Games were a huge success, with over 300 athletes, coaches and mission staff from across the province, and over 140 volunteers that came out to help support our athletes.
Everything kicked off on Friday night with an incredible opening ceremonies celebration and grand march by all of our athletes representing their communities and districts. Performances by the CKRM Rider Cheerleading Team, along with music by West of Mabou, were great additions to the evening. Dignitaries, Member of Parliament, Dr. Robert Kitchen; MLA, Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Special Olympics Saskatchewan CEO Faye Matt; Moose Jaw Chief of Police, Rick Bourassa; and the Mayor of the City of Moose Jaw, Fraser Tolmie all spoke and presented their well wishes to our athletes.
Special presentations were also made by Carl Paulhus who said the Special Olympics Athlete's Oath, Taryn Pierce cited the Coaches Oath, and Al Dyer presented the Officials Oath. The evening also included Jordan Vassell from Saskatoon singing the National Anthem.
The Flame of Hope torch was held by LETR members from across the Province. The Chief Bourassa and Carl Paulhus had the honour of lighting the cauldron to signify the start of the games.
This year, we had eight sports venues that were in full swing all over the city of Moose Jaw. Our athletes participated in Athletics, Aquatics, Bocce, Bowling (5-Pin & 10-Pin), Golf, Soccer, and Softball. The energy was high all weekend with a number of our athletes medaling in their respective sports.
Throughout the weekend, all of the athletes who attended the Games also had the opportunity to participate in the Healthy Athletes Program. This program is a head-to-toe assessment that offers our athletes the chance to be seen by qualified clinical directors in a number different health disciplines. They are given referrals if needed to take back to their home communities, and also address any pressing issues that may arise. This program has saved lives, and we were grateful to be able to offer the Healthy Athletes Program as part of the Games. Disciplines included: Healthy Hearing, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, Fit Feet, Fun Fitness.
Saturday evening after a full day of competition, Special Olympics Saskatchewan held our Annual Awards Banquet. The Mosaic Place Curling Area was packed as we honored our athletes and volunteers for their achievements. Everything then culminated in the ever popular Special Olympics athlete dance, Mike McGuire.
As always, many friendships were made that will not be forgotten, and many memories cherished!
Thank you again to everyone who helped make the 2017 Special Olympics Summer Games a success! Watch for photos from the games to come shortly.
See you at the Winter Games in 2019!
