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Three Drumheller skiers and a bowling team are heading to the 2019 Special Olympics Winter Games.
The Games are in Calgary from February 8-10. Jay Dekeyser, Mitchell Pennington and Quinn Delisle from the Drumheller area and Brian Tabor from Olds will be competing in the alpine events. These include the Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super Giant Slalom.
Michael Cairns, Clayton Hamilton, Ken Smith, Dan Tabor, and Gary Mitchell are competing in five-pin bowling.
Martin McSween, who coaches the skiers says the athletes had to qualify last year. They have been working hard during training. They have been doing dryland training and have had a few opportunities to hit the slopes. He says they have been making great progress.
“They are skiing very well. The dryland has really paid off,” said McSween.
He is the sole Drumheller coach but works with an Olds coach, and the team has linked up with a team from the Crowsnest Pass.
On the first day of the games the skiers will be put into competitive categories and then the competition begins.
The Alberta Special Olympic Winter Games are also a qualifier for the National Special Olympics Winter Games. McSween says this is based on a points system as well as an endorsement to make the selection.
“Provincials are always a feeder for the Nationals,” said McSween.
Those games are slated for 2020 in Thunder Bay. From this competition, the athletes can qualify for the Canadian Special Olympics team. Sweden has been selected to host the 2021 Special Olympics Winter Games.
“Being that it is every four years, it is a chance for our guys to make it to the next level,” said McSween. “Their skiing has improved so I am excited.”
