99 Days to the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games
The Calgary Police Service and Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run are proud supporters of Special Olympics Alberta and the upcoming 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games. On behalf of Special Olympics Alberta, please see below details on the upcoming games.
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99 Days to the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games
CALGARY, AB November 1, 2018 – The countdown is on with only 99 days to go until Calgary hosts the largest sport and humanitarian event for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Alberta. Over 800 athletes from Alberta and Northwest Territories will be competing in the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Calgary on Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10.
“Our Provincial Games is a unique opportunity to bring together our Alberta communities and create an inclusive and competitive experience showing the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities,” says Johnny Byrne, president and CEO of Special Olympics Alberta.“This event allows our athletes to reach their personal bests and connect with athletes across the province. Our host town, Calgary, has made it their goal to make this the best games experience for athletes and spectators. They’ve secured support from major sponsors like BMO Financial Group and Calgary Motor Dealers and access to world class sport venues, we know they will succeed in leaving a legacy of Special Olympics in their city.”
The 2019 Provincial Winter Games will have eight winter sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing and speed skating. The games will commence with an incredible opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 8 at Winsport Arena, at 7 p.m. (MST).
From 10-year-old Luke Stelter of Stony Plain, who will be competing in floor hockey for the first time, to 65-year-old Randy Holley of Calgary, also competing in floor hockey, the Winter Games will showcase a diverse range of age, gender and abilities in Alberta.
After the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to advance to be part of Team Alberta which will be set to compete in the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games
The 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games will celebrate strength, sport and spirit. Over 1,100 athletes, coaches and mission staff representing over 23 Alberta communities and N.W.T. will compete in Calgary from February 8 to 10, 2019. The Provincial Games will feature 8 sport competitions: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating in venues throughout Calgary. Opening ceremony will be held on February 8 at Winsport Arena, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, with over 2,000 expected fans.
For more information on the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, visit www.specialolympics.ca/2019-alberta-winter-games. Follow the journey of athletes and the host town on social media with #Calgary2019 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Special Olympics Alberta
Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities.
Special Olympics Alberta’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 1,200 volunteers. For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/alberta and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.
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Media Contact
Katherine Dalusong
Marketing and Communications
Special Olympics Alberta
P: 780-415-0719
C: 780-975-2795