A Family Tradition on Snow: The Lawrence Family at the 2026 Labrador Winter Games
The Labrador Winter Games have long been a celebration of sport, community, and northern pride. Established in 1983, the Games were created to bring communities from across Labrador together for a week of friendly competition and connection.
Held normally every three years in Happy Valley–Goose Bay, the Games are always hosted centrally, with access to military barracks and facilities that allow athletes and coaches from across Labrador to participate.
For the Lawrence family of Labrador West, the Labrador Winter Games are more than a sporting event. They are a shared family tradition.
Rhonda Lawrence first competed at the Labrador Winter Games in 1986 as a member of Team Wabush, beginning a lifelong connection to the event that continues today. Years later, that passion for sport and community was passed on to her son, Jody Lawrence, who now proudly represents Team Wabush as an athlete.
Jody Lawrence made his Labrador Winter Games debut in 2019, competing in cross country skiing and snowshoeing. He returned again in 2023 and will once more take to the trails this March as part of Team Wabush. His involvement came after inquiries were made about Special Olympics athletes competing at the Games, which required Labrador West to establish its own chapter to make that opportunity possible.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Games for Jody is the sense of pride and belonging they foster. He is especially proud to walk out with his team during the opening and closing ceremonies, cheer on his teammates throughout the week, and receive encouragement and support from the community during his events.
This year, Jody will complete a challenging 3.5 km loop in cross country skiing, testing his endurance and determination on the course. In addition to skiing, he will also be competing in a snowshoe race during the games!
Prior to the games, on February 16, Labrador West took part in the Labrador Games Torch Run. Colin Rumbolt, fellow Special Olympics athlete, served as a torchbearer for Labrador City, while Jody Lawrence and fellow athlete Christopher Gilliam carried and handed off the torch for Wabush alongside other local athletes.
This year, Team Wabush is made up of 17 athletes, with Tony Lawrence serving as Team Coordinator. Jody’s mother, Rhonda Lawrence, is also an athlete on the team, making the Labrador Winter Games a truly family centred experience for the Lawrence family.
As the 2026 Labrador Winter Games approach, Jody Lawrence’s story reflects what the Games have stood for for more than four decades. Community pride, inclusion, perseverance, and the joy of coming together through sport.