Thirteen swimmers and one ten-pin bowler from Simcoe Special Olympics brought back a haul of medals from the 2024 Special Olympics Provincial Spring Games.
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The Norfolk swimmers earned 46 medals in total, and the bowler, Jason Gordy, won three medals.
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“They did a great job,” said Shirley Shaw, Simcoe Special Olympics swimming head coach.
The athletes were recognized by Norfolk County council on May 22, the day before the May 23-26 national qualifier competition in the Waterloo Region.
“You’re certainly very, very dedicated to your sport and your training – it’s really admirable – and we are so delighted that you are doing what you do,” said Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin, who presented a pin and certificate to each. “And good luck representing Norfolk County.”
“It was awesome,” said swimmer Michael Pacheco. “It was so cool to be at council… and be in front of a big audience, just like TSN.”
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“I thought it was very nice when the mayor asked us to come to a council meeting, that’s just so nice,” said Shaw, who was excited to have 13 swimmers from the 27-member Simcoe team competing on Team South Western Ontario, crediting a sponsor who provided extra pool time for training.
“We’ve never had this many go to provincials, never,” said Shaw, a coach for the past 25 years. “And they’re doing all different strokes. When I first took over the team, all they were doing was freestyle and backstroke. They’ve come a long way, I’m so proud. And I’m blessed to have such great coaches – five of our coaches are going with us to the Provincial Games (Kim Hammond, Lillian Wilson, Susan Ferguson, Andrew Varga and Diana Glougher), so that’s awesome.”
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Swimmers from Norfolk County – Jeremy DeYoung, Chelsea Haskett, Kara Hoskins, Laura Waite, Michael Pacheco, Jaxson Kozina, Aaron Montgomery, Kayla Porter, Shantelle Millen, Helen Lindsay, Rosie Hewitt, and Kaitlynn Ferguson – competed with South Western teammates from Brantford, London, Woodstock and St. Thomas.
There were approximately 750 athletes at the Spring Games, including 234 swimmers.
“I will be very excited,” said athlete Kara Hoskins after Wednesday’s council meeting. “This is my first time at the Spring Games. I am looking forward to competing, meeting new people, and just experiencing the whole weekend.”
Teammate Chelsea Haslett was also looking forward to competing and experiencing her first provincials.
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“Just competing,” said Halsett, not focusing on medals. “I’ve got enough medals already – they can barely fit in my closet.”
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and doing the best for Simcoe and Norfolk County, and bringing home the gold,” said Pacheco. “And getting more experience, meeting new people, and representing the town the best way that we can. We know that we can do it and move on to the next round.”
“I am happy to meet new people and make new friends,” said Amanda Shaw, who was responsible for saying the Special Olympics athlete oath at the Games.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
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