News

 

The guiding principle behind incorporating the Special "O" participants in the Games is to provide an opportunity for meaningful competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities and incorporate them into a mainstream game environment. Special “O” has been engaged in a number of past Saskatchewan Games in a variety of sports such as swimming, athletics, cross country, bowling and curling.  Darlene MacQuarrie, Director of Programs for Special Olympics Saskatchewan stated in the announcement: “Special Olympics Saskatchewan values the commitment and passion of sport within our communities. We look forward to participating in the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games. Thank you for the opportunity to break the barriers for our athletes and make their dreams come true.”

 

The speed swimming event, which will be contested in the second half of the Games, Thursday, July 28 to Saturday, July 30, 2016, will now potentially see the addition of 36 competitors and 18 coaches and managers.  Each of the participating nine Districts will have the opportunity to send two male and two female athletes as well as a one coach and one manager. “Special arrangements are being made to accommodate and support these athletes. It is our goal to make them feel welcomed and fully integrated into the Games experience. Like the other 1,800 athletes who will attend the event, we want to make this the experience of a lifetime,” said Brian Smith, Co-Chair of the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games Committee.  “We were pleased when we found out that Special “O” would be joining our speed swimming event.  Estevan has a long and successful history of facilitating speed swimming events. It gives our committee the security of knowing we have local experts in this event to ensure it is a success for our Special "O" athletes.” 

 

Margaret Duncan, long term coordinator for the program in Estevan, stated, “We are very excited that Special “O” speed swimming is being added to the Games in Estevan.  We have numerous athletes who have been committed to the program for many years. This will add incentive to them, and potentially new athletes in the area, to practicing with the goal of participating in this event in their home pool.” Just recently, Estevan Special “O” athlete Albert Ribling attended an event in Swift Current on February 1st, 2015.  Ribling had a strong meet, placing 4th in Men’s 50 Meter Freestyle, 5th in Men’s 50 Meter Backstroke, and 2nd in Men’s 50 Freestyle Flutter kick.  The opportunity shows how the community is an advocate and supports individuals with disabilities through all walks of life.