Twenty-five Special Olympics BC athletes and nine coaches arrived in the Cowichan Valley for the 2018 BC Summer Games 91裸聊视频� the same weekend as the 50th anniversary of the first-ever Special Olympics in North America.

Participating throughout the region, the group will represent one of eight B.C. zones in track and field, equestrian and swimming.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 really excited to get back and compete,91裸聊视频� said athlete Shayne Blandin, 25, from Qualicum Beach.

They will joining other Special Olympic teams on Saturday to commemorate 50 years since people with special needs took to Chicago91裸聊视频檚 Soldier Field for the first ever Special Olympics.

91裸聊视频淭he 1968 event is described as 91裸聊视频榙aybreak91裸聊视频� 91裸聊视频� the early stirring of a global movement for people with intellectual disabilities,91裸聊视频� Special Olympics BC said in a release.

The Chicago games, although at the time a city-local event, made it possible for athletes around the world to compete and have fun and not to be stigmatized, the group said.

In honour of the historic day, now celebrated as a Global Day of Inclusion, events are being hosted across the province. will be lighting up buildings and landmarks in red in honour of Special Olympics athletes.

On Saturday, Tim Hortons will be selling a donut designed by Special Olympics athletes from Alberta, with proceeds going to the charity.

For most of the Special Olympic athletes at the Cowichan Summer Games, the weekend is one of both competition and getting the chance to bond with athletes from all corners of the province.

Blandin, like some of the other athletes, is a veteran when it comes to big competitions, she said.

But for others, the BC Games marks a milestone in their athletic careers, usually as the first time they travel with a team so far away from home.

New Westminster91裸聊视频檚 Donovin MacCumber, 18, said he hasn91裸聊视频檛 been a competitive swimmer for as long as some of his teammates, but is ready to hit some personal bests for his season.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 just something good to make friends, meet new people 91裸聊视频� that91裸聊视频檚 what I look forward to when I come to these kinds of events,91裸聊视频� MacCumber said.

The athletes will participate in the after-hours athlete dance, sneak some practise in ahead of competition, all the while sharing a sense of excitement in hopes of meeting new goals 91裸聊视频� accolades 24-year-old Kayla Willms has looked forward to achieving since she had her first swimming lesson as a toddler in Coquitlam.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 so proud to be here right now,91裸聊视频� she said.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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