After getting underway on Friday night (February 8) with a spectacular, and sold out, opening ceremony at Winsport in Calgary, the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games moved into the first day of competition yesterday.  

The 20 athletes representing Airdrie at the games got the chance to parade into the ceremony at the arena, in front of more than 2,000 fans, along with the 700 other athletes representing 64 communities in the province.

Media Relations Coordinator for Airdrie Special Olympics, Sue Farkas-Fillatre reports that three of the bowlers medalled at the games yesterday with A.J. Tarnowski claiming top spot in his division while also turning in a personal best score of 253.  Dallan Ellerby was also a gold medallist in his division while Bailey Bourget claimed bronze.  The team competition in bowling goes today.  

The Airdrie floor hockey team had an early start to the day yesterday but didn't let the 8:00 am faceoff get to them, winning that game and going on to two more wins on the day.  The team was scheduled to play this morning and then play in the finals.

Farkas-Fillatre says she hasn't had a chance to speak to the snowshoe coach but thinks the competition may have been cancelled yesterday because of the extreme cold conditions.

Last night, the Airdrie athletes, along with the other Special Olympians, enjoyed a banquet and dance.  The games wrap up today with the closing ceremony at 3:00 pm.  

Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. 

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.  Their world-class sports programs are run by over 1,200 volunteers.