Released on April 29, 2013
The Government of Saskatchewan and Sask Sport honoured the Special Olympics Team Canada West floor hockey team in a ceremony at the legislature today. This team, whose members are based out of Saskatoon, Martensville, Prince Albert and Debden, beat Mexico to win the gold medal in the T3 division at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in the Republic of Korea in February.
“Saskatchewan athletes are some of the most competitive in the world,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “In addition to winning medals in the last Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, we can now boast that our athletes also snagged a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. These athletes are hardworking, committed individuals who take preparing for international competitions seriously. They are wonderful ambassadors for our province.”
The team has 16 players, three coaches and four training coaches. Athletes range in age from 17 to 47.
The team spent years preparing for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. They qualified for the competition last February at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in St. Albert, Alberta. Once qualified, the team practiced three times a week and consulted with nutritionists and sports psychologists. They also practiced yoga and travelled to two training camps - one in Toronto in September and one in Lake Placid, New York in December.
“I have been coaching most of these players for more than 10 years,” Head Coach Ken Snell said. “They have dedicated a great deal of time and energy over the past two years to get to this level. I am so proud of these athletes and their accomplishments.”
“It’s my dream come true, bringing home a medal,” Forward Mike Siwy said. “The team was extra motivated to win gold because one of our strong defenders, Dean Boechler, was ill and unable to play for gold. We did it for him.”
Many of the athletes also compete in Summer Special Olympic sports and will begin training for those sporting events in May.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152
Della Ruopp
Sask Sport Inc.
Regina
Phone: 306-780-9375
Email: druopp@sasksport.sk.ca
Cell: 306-570-9990