The local members of the 2018 National Summer Games team are recipients of the Special Olympics award of Excellence.
North Bay’s local team consisted of 11 athletes who were members of Team Ontario at the National Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia this past August. Nine athletes are members of the North Bay Special Olympics group; Nick Fung, Mike Bailey, Sharon Kostyk, Krista Bourdon, Sue McMurter, Chris O’Connor, Jackelyn Osborne, Mike Wonnenburg, and Mandy Demerse, as well as two athletes with the Near North Special Olympics Group; Clarista Ardiel and Jon Touw. The local athletes competed in swimming, baseball, golf, athletics and Bocce at the Games.
To qualify for the National Games, each of the athletes had to advance from regional and provincial competition over the prior two years and be chosen to compete for Team Ontario. To advance from each qualifier, the athletes had to be selected from their respective categories and qualifying events.
In October 2017, athletes were notified that they had been selected to Team Ontario for the Games from July 31st-August 4th at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. It was at that point that the fun and challenging work began! Athletes had to commit to a strict training schedule that included general conditioning and sport specific training. They each had to participate in one provincial training camp and one competition prior to Nationals. Additionally, all the athletes had to keep a training and nutrition log which was submitted monthly to provincial team coaches. The rigorous regime leading up to the event ensured that the athletes were motivated and prepared to compete at the highest level under the guidance of their very dedicated local coaches (Rob Saunders, Shannon Johnson, Lisa O’Kane, Lisa Knight, Michelle and Glenn Cundari, and Patti Callahan).
These games were affectionally referred to as the “hottest games ever” where daily temperatures were around 32-34 degrees and some events had to be postponed to the cooler evening hours.
Team Ontario consisted of over 350 athletes, coaches and mission staff - the largest contingent attending the Summer Games. Together they brought home 372 medals. The North Bay athletes brought home 15 medals among them; four gold, seven silver and four bronze. Everyone trained hard to qualify for the Games. As such, they earned the right to be a proud member of Team Ontario. Each athlete showcased their skills and athleticism. They were proud ambassadors in Nova Scotia, not only for our community of North Bay but for the province and as advocates and supporters of the special Olympics movement.
The local team will be presented with the Special Olympics Award of Excellence at the 39th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner to be held at the Davedi Club on Saturday, May 4th.