Local Special Olympics athletes competing in P.E.I.
Peterborough natives Crystal Cochrane and Shane Marshall will be representing Ontario at the national Special Olympic Games in P.E.I., beginning May 14.
Both athletes and their families were joined by a group of police officers outside the city police station Wednesday afternoon and were presented with gifts and congratulations.
Cochrane started her Special Olympics journey nearly a decade ago when she was just 23.
In September the list of athletes who made it to nationals was released.
“I was actually shopping with my mom when she got the email. I was so excited when I found out,” Cochrane said.
In 2016, Cochrane qualified for provincials for the first time. Competing in the 10-pin bowling, she took home three golds and one silver.
The following year, Cochrane and her soccer team won gold at the 2017 Provincial Summer Games, leaving her conflicted.
“I had to choose between soccer or bowling, but my coaches knew I had to go for bowling,” she said.
“They’re double threats, they’re triple threats, but they pick the one that they want to do the most and they represent us well,” said city police Chief Murray Rodd.
After deciding, Cochrane completed a training camp in December and has practised weekly since.
City police Const. Bill Trudeau has been involved with the Special Olympics for 30 years.
“I’m part of a larger team that co-ordinates the Special Olympics from a police perspective,” he said.
“Peterborough has been extremely supportive of our athletes and the police, so I’m really excited they’re going and representing Peterborough and representing Ontario.”
Marshall, Peterborough’s second athlete who will be alongside Cochrane at nationals, will be competing in five-pin bowling.
“It’s an honour being picked to go to the nationals. I’ve been working hard for this moment,” Marshall said.
Marshall has been bowling for over 10 years on a five-pin bowling league and also competed in the 2016 provincials in five-pin bowling, earning himself a gold.
“I’m very, very proud of him. We all are,” said Shane’s mother, MaryAnne Marshall.
“I just want him to go (to nationals), have fun and meet some new people,” she said.
Both athletes say they are excited to meet new people.
“It’s the first time I’ll be in P.E.I., but I’m excited to meet new friends and learn about different cultures,” Cochrane said.
Cochrane has purchased trading pins from City Hall in hopes of trading with other athletes from across Canada.
“I know every person who knows them and understands the special olympics are proud of them,” Rodd said.
“The whole community and county will be behind them as they go forward.”
Cochrane and Marshall both have high hopes they can represent the community to the best of their abilities.
“I’m going to bring a medal home, I’m just not sure what colour yet,” Cochrane said.
Both athletes say they will continue training for the remainder of the week until they depart.