Michael Jamieson is no stranger to competing for Team Alberta.
He’s been involved with Special Olympics for over 30 years and now at 41 years-old, he has found some recent success bowling.
Michael was a member of Team Alberta at the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in London and most recently in Prince Edward Island for National Bowling Championships in 2018, where he won a silver medal in singles.
But the winning streak didn’t stop there, as Michael picked up two gold medals in singles and teams at the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Calgary earlier this year.
He says that he’s played many sports over the years, but has settled on bowling and bocce lately.
Michael started getting involved with Special Olympics at a young age and has been hooked on being an athlete ever since.
“Family and friends got me involved in Special Olympics 30 years ago,” says Michael.
Michael does his training at the Bowling Depot in Calgary and works with his coach Caroline Rippe to improve his game.
He says that he’s a true team player and that the strongest part of his game is being a leader.
Focusing on not only being a good player for Team Alberta, but also a good teammate by supporting other athletes is something Michael takes pride in.
One thing coach Caroline has been telling Michael for Nationals in Thunder Bay is to slow down his routine during the competitions and really try to focus on what he’s trying to accomplish.
Another thing Michael has been practicing is getting more strikes, which may sound obvious, but is clearly easier said than done.
However, Michael is putting in the work at his local alley to make sure he is at his best come February.
Besides just practising bowling, Michael has a few more methods he uses to stay in shape and keep him ready for competition.
Michael’s true love for being active shines through when describing how he stays active.
“Eating healthy, (playing) indoor soccer, doing Zumba, Wii bowling and walking.”
But it’s not all about competing.
Michael enjoys getting exercise through sport, but meeting new people and traveling to different places is what he’s loved about being an athlete for Special Olympics for all these years.
His goals are in line with why he enjoys being an athlete for Team Alberta.
“(Just to) have fun, meet people from other provinces, do my best and hope for medals,” says Michael.
Nationals and big competitions are nothing new to one of Team Alberta’s most experienced 5-pin bowlers.
Even though this isn’t Michael Jamieson’s first Nationals he’s still humbled and excited for the opportunity.
“I’m very proud and excited to be able to represent Alberta at the National Games in Thunder Games.”
Visit https://www.specialolympics.ca/2020-team-alberta to stay up-to-date with all things Team Alberta 2020. And to check out what is going on in Michael’s local affiliate, Calgary click here.
Friends and family should follow this link to find out how they can attend games and you can cheer on the Wolfpack by picking up your Team Alberta 2020 cheer gear!
Join the pack and support the team through fundraising initiatives like Draft an Athlete or Personal Best.
Also, be sure to check out http://specialolympics2020.com/ for all the latest news updates regarding the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay from February 25 – 29.
