Calgarians earn 11 medals at Special Olympics World Games

Today City Council honoured athletes from Calgary who participated in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany June 17–25.

During the Council presentation, Mayor Jyoti Gondek commended the Special Olympics as a global inclusion movement that changes the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

“The spirit of inclusion and personal achievements at the Special Olympics are unforgettable and life-changing,” said Mayor Gondek. “These moments bring people together and allow us all to celebrate their personal success. Congratulations to all Special Olympics World Games Calgary-based athletes!”

The Canadian team brought home 46 gold, 20 silver, and 30 bronze medals. Every athlete on Team Canada from Calgary brought home at least one medal, with 11 medals in total. The athletes from Calgary are:

David Nicholson (powerlifting): 3 gold, 1 silver
Allie Price (golfing): 1 silver
Abby Wilson (swimming): 1 gold, 1 silver
Jennifer Riddell (athletics): 1 bronze
Michaela Wasyliw (basketball): 1 silver
William Shepherd (basketball): 1 gold
Kyle Vogelgesang (bocce): 1 silver

Almost five decades old, the Special Olympics World Games began in 1968 with just Canada and the U.S. Today, Special Olympics is the world's largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities, involving more than 5 million athletes in 174 countries. It is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).