EDMONTON, AB October 31, 2018- In 100 days, Calgary will host the largest sport and humanitarian event for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be held in Alberta. Over 800 athletes from 23 Alberta communities, Saskatchewan and N.W.T. will be competing in the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Calgary from February 8 to 10.
“OUR PROVINCIAL GAMES IS A UNIQUE PLATFORM TO BRING TOGETHER ALBERTA AND CREATE AN INCLUSIVE COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE THAT SHOWCASES THE ABILITIES OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES,” SAYS JOHNNY BYRNE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS ALBERTA.
“This event allows our athletes to achieve personal bests and connect with athletes across the province. Our host town, Calgary, has made it their goal to make this the best games experience for athletes and spectators. We have had outstanding support from major sponsors like BMO and the Calgary Motor Dealers Charitable Foundation as well as access to world-class sport venues. We look forward to the legacy these games will leave the city and the impact that it will have on the lives of our athletes and their supporters.”
The 2019 Provincial Winter Games will have 8 winter sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating. The event will commence with an incredible opening ceremony on February 8 at Winsport Arena at 7 p.m.
From 10 year old, Luke Stelter from Stony Plain who will be competing in floor hockey for the first time to 65 year old, Randy Holley from Calgary also competing in floor hockey, the Winter Games will showcase a diverse range of age, gender and abilities.
The Games Organizing Committee stated “We can’t wait for you to experience the Strength, Sport and Spirit of all of the athletes, coaches and mission staff at the 2019 Special Olympics
Alberta Winter Games.” Please take a look at the full Notes from our GOC.
After the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to be part of Team Alberta which will compete at the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
2019 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ALBERTA WINTER GAMES
The 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games will celebrate strength, sport and spirit. Over 1,100 athletes, coaches and mission staff representing over 23 Alberta communities, Saskatchewan and N.W.T. will compete in Calgary from February 8 to 10, 2019. The Provincial Games will feature 8 sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating in venues throughout Calgary. Opening ceremony will be held on February 8 at Winsport Arena, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, with over 2,000 expected fans.
For more information on the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, visit www.specialolympics.ca/2019-alberta-winter-games. Follow the journey of athletes and the host town on social media with #Calgary2019 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ALBERTA
Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities.
Special Olympics Alberta’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 1,200 volunteers. For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/alberta and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.
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