The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Winter Games Offer Special Olympics a Chance to Shine

More than 120 athletes and 70 coaches and staff travelled to the 2011 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador (SONL) Winter Games in Corner Brook. The province-wide competition featured competition in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and floor hockey.

Corner Brook High School had a full house for Friday night’s opening ceremonies. As the Law Enforcement Torch run passed the torch to the Games Organizing Committee, it signalled that the 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games had officially begun.

Competition began on Saturday and continued Sunday at both Corner Brook High School and the Blow Me Down Ski Resort. Excellent weather and an enthusiastic group of volunteers made the competitions a success and allowed personal best performances for many athletes.

“The people of Corner Brook provided excellent accommodations and hospitality which made the athletes feel welcome” said SONL Executive Director Nelson White “They also provided our competitors with the best venues at which to showcase their abilities.”

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with an intellectual disability, through sport. It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 550 athletes of all ages and abilities. There are currently 13 community-based clubs that offer sport programs. Special Olympics offers athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community

For complete results from the provincial games or to find out more about Special Olympics programs please visit www.sonl.ca or contact Executive Director Nelson White.

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Photo: Shawn Dawson – 2011 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games

Media contact:
Nelson White
Executive Director
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
50 Pippy Place, Suite 16B
St. John’s, NL A1H 4H7
709-690-8335, fax 738-0119
Web site: www.sonl.ca 

2011 02 23                                                        1:45 p.m.