Twenty-five Special Olympics BC athletes and nine coaches arrived in the Cowichan Valley for the 2018 BC Summer Games B次元官网网址� the same weekend as the 50th anniversary of the first-ever Special Olympics in North America.

Participating throughout the region, the group will represent one of eight B.C. zones in track and field, equestrian and swimming.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 really excited to get back and compete,B次元官网网址� said athlete Shayne Blandin, 25, from Qualicum Beach.

They will joining other Special Olympic teams on Saturday to commemorate 50 years since people with special needs took to ChicagoB次元官网网址檚 Soldier Field for the first ever Special Olympics.

B次元官网网址淭he 1968 event is described as B次元官网网址榙aybreakB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� the early stirring of a global movement for people with intellectual disabilities,B次元官网网址� Special Olympics BC said in a release.

The Chicago games, although at the time a city-local event, made it possible for athletes around the world to compete and have fun and not to be stigmatized, the group said.

In honour of the historic day, now celebrated as a Global Day of Inclusion, events are being hosted across the province. will be lighting up buildings and landmarks in red in honour of Special Olympics athletes.

On Saturday, Tim Hortons will be selling a donut designed by Special Olympics athletes from Alberta, with proceeds going to the charity.

For most of the Special Olympic athletes at the Cowichan Summer Games, the weekend is one of both competition and getting the chance to bond with athletes from all corners of the province.

Blandin, like some of the other athletes, is a veteran when it comes to big competitions, she said.

But for others, the BC Games marks a milestone in their athletic careers, usually as the first time they travel with a team so far away from home.

New WestminsterB次元官网网址檚 Donovin MacCumber, 18, said he hasnB次元官网网址檛 been a competitive swimmer for as long as some of his teammates, but is ready to hit some personal bests for his season.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just something good to make friends, meet new people B次元官网网址� thatB次元官网网址檚 what I look forward to when I come to these kinds of events,B次元官网网址� MacCumber said.

The athletes will participate in the after-hours athlete dance, sneak some practise in ahead of competition, all the while sharing a sense of excitement in hopes of meeting new goals B次元官网网址� accolades 24-year-old Kayla Willms has looked forward to achieving since she had her first swimming lesson as a toddler in Coquitlam.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 so proud to be here right now,B次元官网网址� she said.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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