The countdown is on for the 2013 Special Olympics Nova Scotia (SONS) Winter Games, being hosted in Yarmouth from Feb. 22 to 24.
“The athletes are starting to get very excited about the event,” said Mike Scott, coordinator, coach and volunteer for Shelburne County Special Olympics.
“With the Games in Yarmouth, a lot of family and friends are able to come
and watch,” said Scott. “Like all sports, fan support means a lot to the athletes
and helps motivate them to do their very best.”
Shelburne County will be represented by 20 athletes at the games, who will be competing in floor hockey
and snowshoeing events. Seven coaches and mission staff will accompany
the athletes on the trip.
Both the floor hockey and snowshoeing teams have been practising 2 times a week since the beginning of the new year, said Scott.
There will be approximately 300 athletes from across the province at the games,
competing in floor hockey, snowshoeing, speed skating, figure skating,
curling, and cross-country skiing.
The Winter Games will kick off with opening ceremonies and seeding rounds in most of the sports on Feb. 22, with a full day of competition on Feb. 23, followed by the victory dance that evening. The competition wraps up on Feb. 24 with medal presentations and the closing ceremonies.
