Journey begins

Athletes announced for 2018 national games

Special Olympics P.E.I. announced the 66 members selected to the training team in preparation for the 2018 Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games.

The roster consists of 45 athletes, 14 coaches and seven mission staff competing in the sports of five-pin and 10-pin bowling, athletics, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball and swimming.

“All of our athletes and volunteers have worked so hard in preparation for their qualifying events that helped them get to this point of selection,” said chef de mission Matthew McNally.

“It has been very inspirational to watch everyone’s development in their sport and to see individuals achieve their goals. Our team has a strong mix of new and experienced members and I look forward to this journey we begin together with this exceptional group of athletes and volunteers.”

Team members will be busy training multiple times per week, attending training camps and fundraising as the Games are less than a year away. The bowling squads will attend the Special Olympics Canada National Bowling Championships being co-hosted by Charlottetown, Summerside and Tyne Valley from May 1420.

Athletics, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball and swimming will attend the Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Antigonish, N.S., from July 29 to Aug. 5.