Nearly 60 Manitoba athletes to compete in Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary

William Middleton has represented Special Olympics Manitoba as an athlete for the past 12 years, but says there's still one thing he's always wanted to do.

"It's been my dream to go to nationals, and my dream has come true," Middleton, who's competing as a snowshoer this year, said at a Wednesday news conference.

He's one of almost 60 Team Manitoba athletes set to fly to Calgary to compete in next week's 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, taking part in sports such as skiing, curling, floor hockey, figure skating, five-pin bowling and snowshoeing.

It's all part of the largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, which Middleton says "changed my whole life completely."

The athletes of Team Manitoba range in age from 14 to over 60 years old, according to Special Olympics Manitoba's marketing manager Melissa Suggitt.

"It's a big deal. That's one of the beautiful things about Special Olympics Manitoba, is that you can participate for your entire life," she said at the news conference.

"Whether you get gold or not, we are so proud of you for making it onto that national stage in the first place."

The team's athletes, coaches and staff come from all over the province, and have been working hard to prepare for the winter games since the spring, she said.

"It's not just skill and talent — it's also a lot of training, and that goes for the coaches as well."

Those preparations weren't without their challenges during a mild winter, according to Colleen Lowdon-Bula, Special Olympics Manitoba's sports director.

"It's been really hard to train without snow," she said, but added she has "no doubt that the athletes are ready."

'Breaking barriers'

Melissa Perron, a five-pin bowling coach and board member with Special Olympics Manitoba, says the countless hours she spent watching the athletes train is "a constant reminder of the goodness that's out there."

"This journey we're about to embark on is more than competitions, it is a testament to the strength, courage and dedication that you guys have," she said.

"You're reminding us of the power of sport and that goes beyond medals. It's about breaking barriers, fostering inclusion and celebrating the unique ability that we all have."

The 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are scheduled to run from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2.