Children, Seniors and Social Development
July 17, 2017
Minister Gambin-Walsh Congratulates Special Olympians
Forty athletes from this province have been selected to attend the 2018 Special Olympics National Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The selection took place following this weekend�s Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympics Provincial Games, which served as the qualifying competition and an opportunity to be part of Team Newfoundland and Labrador.
At the Provincial Games almost 600 athletes and coaches from all regions of the province participated in one of seven sporting events including athletics, bocce, five-pin bowling, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and swimming.
The Provincial Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter competitions. The Games provide an opportunity for athletes all over Newfoundland and Labrador to come together to participate, meet and have fun.
Through sport, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an intellectual disability. Special Olympics offers over 680 athletes of all ages and abilities, and their families, a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community.
Quotes
�Events like the Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games provide opportunities for individuals to enjoy the many benefits that sport participation yields. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the athletes on their outstanding achievements. Your determination, skill and perseverance have paid off. I look forward to hearing about your success at the 2018 National Games in Nova Scotia.�
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
�I would like to congratulate all athletes on their performances and thank the volunteers that made the Games such a huge a success. These Games are important because they bring attention to the talents and capabilities of people with an intellectual disability, helping to change attitudes and to break down barriers that can exclude them from full participation in their communities.�
Trish Williams
Executive Director, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
- 30 -
Learn more
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador - www.specialolympics.ca/newfoundland-and-labrador 
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL and @SpecialONL
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Trish Williams
Special Olympics NL
709-690-8335
trishw@sonl.ca
2017 07 17 3:15 p.m.