TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Special Olympics Canada announced today that Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, will host the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, its eighth national winter competition, in February 2016. Flanked by Special Olympic athletes and representatives from the provincial chapter, Sharon Bollenbach, vice-president of sport at Special Olympics Canada made the announcement earlier today at a press conference at Corner Brook City Hall.
"Special Olympics Canada is very excited that Corner Brook is the home of the 2016 winter games," said Sharon Bollenbach, Vice President, Sport at Special Olympics Canada. "With Corner Brook's strong history of hosting winter sports events we are confident the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will be an exceptional sporting competition and experience for the athletes, coaches and mission staff participating."
The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games is a national sporting event for competitive athletes with intellectual disabilities. Each athlete must qualify at the local and provincial level before coming to the national games. Also, the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games is a qualifying event for athletes to represent Canada at the 2017 Special Olympics Winter Games in Austria.
There are seven sports featured at the games: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snow shoeing, and speed skating.
Alternating every two years, provincial and territorial Special Olympics chapters rotate the hosting responsibilities for the organization's national summer and winter games; 2016 was Newfoundland and Labrador's opportunity to host; Corner Brook accepted the opportunity. This is the first time the games will be held in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"We are thrilled that Corner Brook will host the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games," said Len Moores, chair, Games Organizing Committee, 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. "Sport, volunteerism, and hospitality are important to the people of Corner Brook. We look forward to sharing our city with Special Olympics athletes from across the country in 2016."
Special Olympics Canada is accessible and open to all individuals with an intellectual disability, regardless of their ability. The organization provides sport training and competitive opportunities to over 35,055 athletes supported by over 17,000 volunteers, including 12,000 trained coaches. Special Olympics Canada is recognized as an integral and valued part of the sport delivery system by working in partnership with sport organizations.
2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games
By the Numbers
- The national sports competition will happen over seven days
- 12 provincial / territorial chapters are slated to participate
- Organizers anticipate 950+ delegation members will be in attendance. Of that number, it is estimated there will be:
- 670 athletes
- 208 coaches
- 75+ mission staff
- Athletes compete in seven winter sports - alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snow shoeing, and speed skating,
- More than 600 individuals will volunteer at the games
- Corner Brook can anticipate 400 to 500 families and Special Olympics supporters in attendance
About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. Operating year- round in all Canadian provinces and territories except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes, and build communities. From two-year olds to mature adults, there are more than 35,000 children and adults with an intellectual disability registered in Special Olympics programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,100 volunteers, including more than 13,500 trained coaches. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).
SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada
Mary-Margaret Jones
Marketing and Public Relations
Special Olympics Canada
T: 416. 927-9050, ext. 4383
C: 416.909-5911
E: [email protected]
Connie Boland
Director of Communications and Marketing
2016 Games Organizing Committee
T: 709.637.2923
C: 709.640.6409
E: [email protected]
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