The General Toronto Area is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 133 athletes and 38 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 11 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 67 hitting the courts for Basketball, 4 showing off their strength in Powerlifting, 17 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 34 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 Mary Ridder from York South, Bradley Bowen from Brampton, Brittany Toste from Greater Durham, Michael Bandler from Toronto, Cody Wanschura from York South and Carter Hull from Aurora! Read more about our athletes below.
Name: Mary Ridder
District: General Toronto Area
Community: York South
How many years have been involved with Special Olympics?: 15 years
What is one fun fact about you?
I coach 5 Pin Bowling in the winter months and athletics in the summer. I love hiking in nature.
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
What I am looking forward to at Games is that all our GTA athletes have a wonderful and fun time. That they enjoy their competitions, all the fun activities associated with Spring Games and make some new friends.
Name: Bradley Bowen
District: General Toronto Area
Community: Brampton
Sport: Basketball
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 hoping to see myself and my team compete and win. We are working hard to try and win but also to enjoy the excitement of being the best in Ontario.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
I get to compete against good teams and would really like to go to Nationals and World Games.
Name: Brittany Toste
District: General Toronto Area
Community: Greater Durham
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 20+ years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am looking forward to spending time and competing with my gymnastics friends and performing our new routines. I am also looking forward to the opening ceremonies and the dance party. So much fun!
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
My favourite thing about Special Olympics is it has allowed me to meet up twice a week with my friends and practice our rhythmic gymnastics skills and new routines and have a lot of fun. Sometimes we host S.O. competitions or travel to other cities to compete and I love to dress up and wear our sparkly team leotards.
Name: Carter Hull
District: General Toronto Area
Community: Aurora
Sport: Swimming
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 10 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Meeting new friends and challenging myself.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Being able to meet new people and getting to enjoy sports every week
Name: Cody Wanschura
District: General Toronto Area
Community: York South
Sport: 10 Pin Bowling
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 12 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
This is my first provincial games and I’m looking forward to competing in 10 pin bowling. Also to meet and socialize with other athletes from across Ontario and make new friends.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
I liked that I’ve been able to meet lots of friends in the different sports I’ve participated in. I liked that Special Olympics is able to keep up my physical fitness and being able to compete against other athletes. The coaches are always there to support and encourage me to do my best.
Name: Michael Bandler
District: General Toronto Area
Community: Toronto
Sport: Powerlifting
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 12 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am looking forward to competing, seeing old friends and making new friends. Also, challenging myself and being a role model for the new athletes coming to the games for the first time.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Special Olympics gets me out of the house and being part of a community. I'm not just part of a community, but I am with people I can relate to – my teammates and coaches. Special Olympics is a big part of my social circle and keeps me active in sport.
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!