Special Olympians to compete in national games
Nikitia Penney, Randy Muise and Jody Thibodeau to represent Nova Scotia in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will be held in Thunder Bay, Ont., Feb. 25 to 29 and athletes from the tricounties will be among those taking part.
Team Nova Scotia includes Nikitia Penney of Shelburne County, a snowshoe competitor, and bowlers Randy Muise of Yarmouth and Jody Thibodeau of Clare.
They are part of group of 46 athletes from Nova Scotia taking part in the national games. The Nova Scotia contingent also includes 13 coaches and six mission staff.
“The national games are such a great time for our organization, as we have the opportunity to witness the power of sport, personal growth and athletes experiencing an event that will create lifelong memories,” said Matt Quin, chef de mission and director of sport at Special Olympics Nova Scotia.
The national games are expected to bring together more than 1,200 athletes, coaches and staff from across
Canada. There will be eight sports: alpine skiing, five-pin bowling, cross-country skiing, curling, floor hockey, snowshoeing, figure skating and speedskating.
Special Olympics Canada holds national games every two years, alternating between summer and winter games.
The previous national winter games were held in Corner Brook, N.L., in 2016 and the last summer games took place in Antigonish in 2018. The next summer games — to be held in 2022 — will take place in Medicine Hat.
The following bios of the three Special Olympians from the tri-counties who will compete in Thunder Bay were provided by Special Olympics Nova Scotia:
NIKITIA PENNEY AGE: 20. SPORT: SNOWSHOEING
She has been competing with Special Olympics for seven years and this is her second national games. She is looking forward to seeing a new place and meeting new people. Her goals are to have fun and to do her best.
RANDY MUISE AGE: 41 SPORT: BOWLING
He competed in a national games in bocce ball when the games were held in Halifax. Over the past 30 years with Special Olympics, he has enjoyed making new friends and having fun all while having a positive attitude.
JODY THIBODEAU AGE: 38 SPORT: BOWLING
He has been with Special Olympics for 16 years and has competed in bowling and bocce. He is looking forward to the fun and excitement that the games bring. He wants to do his best and make new friends.