Athletes Applauded for Competing at Special Olympic Canada Winter Games

A contingent of 27 athletes and 14 staff have arrived home from a successful week of competition at the 2012 Special Olympic Canada Winter Games, held February 28 to March 3 in St. Albert, Alberta. Team Newfoundland and Labrador won a total of 20 medals including 13 gold, four silver and three bronze.

“Competing in the Special Olympic Canada Winter Games is a wonderful experience that the athletes will cherish for a lifetime,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “I commend all the athletes for their effort, commitment, and dedication. I also thank those who continue to devote their time to ensure the athletes are given the opportunity to participate in competitive events. Congratulations to the entire team for a job well done.”

The athletes, ranging in age from 16 to 60 years old, participated in cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, and snowshoeing.

A detailed listing of the medals won can be found in the backgrounder below.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, provides annual funding to Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador for the operation of programs and services.

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit organization serving over 500 people with intellectual disabilities, with 12 active clubs throughout the province. For more information about the Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympic Program, visit www.sonl.ca.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2012
Team Newfoundland and Labrador Medal Count

Snowshoeing
100m
Amanda Butt – Silver
Jeremy Mueller – Gold
200m
Florissa Harris – Gold
Cynthia Matthews – Gold
Greg Hall – Gold
Jeremy Mueller – Gold
400m
Florissa Harris – Silver
Crystal Young – Gold
Amanda Butt – Gold
Johnny Philpott – Gold
Jeremy Mueller – Gold
800m
Crystal Young – Silver
Chris Dugas – Gold
1,600m
Crystal Young – Silver
4x100m relay
Gold (team)
4x400m relay
Gold (team)

Cross-country skiing
100m
Megan Hounsell – Gold, division F2
500m
Megan Hounsell – Bronze, division F4
1km
Daniel Moores – Bronze, division M2

Figure Skating
Paolo Paiement – Bronze, Level 4
 

2012 03 06                    10:55 a.m.