On February 24, 2023, just before 9:00 a.m., 38 Special Olympic athletes boarded the bus to drive to the Alberta Winter Games. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Over 30 Lethbridge athletes to compete in Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games

Feb 24, 2023 | 2:50 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Special Olympic athletes in Lethbridge are headed to Edmonton for the 2023 Alberta Winter Games.

It is the first time since 2019 that Albertan athletes will take part in the provincial games following the COVID-19 pandemic.

On February 24, 2023, just before 9:00 a.m., 38 Lethbridge athletes boarded a bus at Park Place Mall to take the long journey to Strathcona County.

Anny Chenard, Chair for the Lethbridge Special Olympics, said, “It’s a great opportunity for us to participate again, and not only that, but actually be able to travel and just represent Lethbridge.”

The Lethbridge competitors range in age from 15 to 63 and will be taking part in events like five-pin bowling, curling, figure skating, and floor hockey.

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Other events at the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games include cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing and speed skating.

These games serve as qualifiers for national games and opportunities to be part of Team Alberta.

Tamara Laursen, who is heading to the Special Olympics for the first time on the curling team, says she is looking forward to promoting the community and representing Lethbridge over the weekend.

“Hopefully we do well and we can bring a medal home. If not, it’s all good. We’re still going to go have some fun and get to meet new people and just enjoy the experience,” explained Laursen. “That’s what we’re all trying to do and represent for all the Special Athletes.”

She went on, “I can’t wait to be able to walk in with all our Lethbridge uniforms on in a big group of people and raise our banner. I’m quite excited for the whole experience.”

Colin Lancaster, who is playing on Lethbridge’s first-ever floor hockey team, says he’s looking forward to the experience.

“It’s an honour to be a part of the team, and I have to say, I’m a little nervous, but I’ll do the best that I can working with my team.”

Lancaster continued, “It’s going to be a heck of an experience as this is my first tournament, but I’ll make the most out of every opportunity that I can.”

From February 24 to 26, 2023, over 1,200 athletes, staff and volunteers from across the province are set to come together for a weekend of competitive sports.

Watch the opening ceremony live at 7:30 p.m. on February 24, 2023, online.

Read more: Lethbridge News Now