Much like communities all across the province, St. Catharines-Thorold offers a wide range of sports for its Special Olympics Ontario athletes. Here are just a few stories of teams and athletes in some of those sports.
Last summer, the St. Catharines Trappers hosted softball provincial qualifiers. It was a scorching hot day, but all the teams stayed hydrated and had a ton of fun.
Katie Marchbank participates in basketball, bocce, 5-pin bowling, softball, swimming and her true love: figure skating. Since moving to Ontario, she’s continued training on the ice and, for the past four years, she’s been waiting for a chance to show her skating skills in larger competitions. Katie's love for the sport extends to teaching as well; when she isn’t training for her own competitions, she teaches novice skaters at her skating club.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention the SOO St. Catharines golfers who traveled to their qualifier on two separate occasions. While local practices and meets are always fun, travelling to compete with other athletes provides an extra level of excitement.
One of the wonderful things about St. Catharines Special Olympics is how all generations have the opportunity to shine. The two bowling teams provide athletes with a chance to improve their athletic skills and to socialize weekly. For example, Julia Mills is in her 31st year with Special Olympics and Damien is in his second. When Julia is done her bowling games, she waits and cheers on Damien, who happens to be her nephew. She then takes him home before quickly continuing on her way to basketball practice with the Scorpions.
Next month, the St. Catharines Otters will hold their 3rd annual swim-a-thon. Their goal is to swim 100km collectively over 2 practices. We know they can do it!
These stories prove just how much is happening in every Special Olympics community across Ontario. Find out how to get more involved by reaching out to your local community today!