Central Ontario is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 101 athletes and 28 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 9 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 49 hitting the courts for Basketball, 4 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 39 making waves in Swimming! For a comprehensive list of all participating athletes, visit provincialgames.com/district-teams.
This month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on some outstanding individuals. Meet Samantha Damiani from Newmarket & Area, Steve Caban from Peterborough, Mlungisi Cele from South Simcoe, Brad Burns from Barrie, and Laura Conquest from Owen Sound & Area!
Name: Samantha Damiani
District: Central Ontario
Community: Newmarket and Area
How many years have been involved with Special Olympics?: 25 years
What is one fun fact about you?
Birds petrify me! They have no teeth…how can you eat without teeth?!
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Special Olympic athletes illuminate the path to greatness, transforming challenges into stepping stones and redefining the meaning of triumph. In their journey, resilience is the medal, determination the anthem, and every step forward an inspiration echoing the indomitable spirit within us all.
As DTM am an honoured to be a part of the athletes journey to greatness!
Name: Steve Caban
District: Central Ontario
Community: Peterborough
Sport: Swimming
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 32 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am really excited to Meet new friends, have fun and do my very best at what I love to do. I love swimming 100 free, 100 back, 100 breast and 100 IM. My favourite event is 100 free.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
My favourite thing about special Olympics is helping my teammates out at all my sports, especially swimming. I love competing.
Name: Mlungisi Cele
District: Central Ontario
Community: South Simcoe
Sport: Basketball
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 2 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am really looking forward to the competition. I love to compete
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
I love sports. I love the raptors and watching basketball. I like spending time with my coaches and fellow teammates.
Name: Brad Burns
District: Central Ontario
Community: Barrie
Sport: Bowling
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 8 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Im looking forward to competing at bowling on the provincial level as it is the first time for me in this sport.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Bowling is a fun sport, and being social with my teammates.
Name: Laura Conquest
District: Central Ontario
Community: Owen Sound & Area
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 10 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am looking forward to doing well in the competition.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
My favourite thing about Special Olympics is that I get to be physically active. I also play golf and swim.
Draft an Athlete for the Provincial Games!
Be a part of an athlete's achievement! Be a part of a draft that celebrates inclusion and diversity! Donate today to help an athlete achieve their dreams and compete at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games.
Learn more about the draft an athlete program here!