As the torch was extinguished on the Special Olympics in Chatham-Kent Wednesday, organizers encouraged athletes to keep up the positive momentum in their hometowns.
As the torch was extinguished on the Special Olympics in Chatham-Kent Wednesday, organizers encouraged athletes to keep up the positive momentum in their hometowns.
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A large crowd was on hand for the closing ceremonies, at Chatham’s John D. Bradley convention center, after the second and final day of the Ontario School Championship Games.
Games manager, Chatham-Kent police Sgt. Jason Herder, said the celebration honored participants for their courage, determination and sportsmanship.
“These games have embodied the true essence of the Special Olympics,” he told the gathering. “Your enthusiasm is infectious.”
The annual event drew more than 750 Ontario high school athletes in five sports: bocce, basketball, track and field, floorball and soccer.
Herder thanked everyone involved in making the games possible, noting the overall goal is inclusion and empowerment.
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“Let us continue to champion diversity, break down barriers and create a world where every individual is celebrated for their abilities,” he said.
Numerous fundraisers were held locally for the games after Chatham-Kent was selected to host last year.
These were the first Special Olympics Ontario provincial championships in the municipality since 1997.
The efforts of former police officers Rob Herder – Jason Herder’s late father – and the late Mike Currie in organizing those games were recognized Wednesday.
Ottawa police will host next year’s games, and a special changeover ceremony was held at the end of Wednesday’s event.
Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn congratulated the athletes and acknowledged the support of volunteers, businesses and spectators.
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“We set the bar high this year, but I am certain that next year, Chief (Eric) Stubbs and the Ottawa Police Service will take things to even a greater height,” he said.
Cody Jansma, incoming head of Special Olympics Ontario, credited Herder and other Chatham-Kent locals with knocking it “right out of the park.”
He urged participants to cherish the experience, noting that for many, this was their first time visiting the community.
“Let’s capture the good vibes in this building right now, bring those back to your school, bring those back to your hometown, and keep the momentum going,” Jansma said. “We all have new friends and new memories to take home with us.”
Effective July 1, Jansma officially takes over as Special Olympics Ontario’s president and chief executive, as Glenn MacDonell retires after 35 years with the organization.
MacDonell is considered instrumental in expanding the reach of the games, which went from 2,200 athletes in 1988 to 23,000 across all age categories.
Across Ontario, more than 12,000 coaches and volunteers run local sport programs in more than 120 communities and every school board.
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