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Cross Country Skier Darby McIntyre’s Powerful Words at the Special Olympics Team Canada Reception

March 09, 2025
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    The atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as Special Olympics Team Canada athletes, family members, and supporters gathered in Turin for the Special Olympics Team Canada Reception—a night dedicated to celebrating the journey that brought these athletes to the world stage. The event welcomed not only the entire team but also hometown cheer crews, national partners, and loved ones who traveled across the world to witness and support their athletes at the largest global sports and humanitarian event.

    As part of the evening, two athlete leaders addressed the crowd, sharing reflections on what Special Olympics has meant to them and what it means to represent Canada at the World Games. Darby McIntyre took the stage to share their journey—speaking about finding their place in sport, the opportunities that have shaped them, and the community that has helped them thrive.

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    Games Web Photos (600 x 400 px).png
    My name is Darby McIntyre and I'm a Special Olympics athlete excited to be at Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy for cross country skiing. I've been a Special Olympics athlete since 2009. I'm looking forward to competing with athletes around the world, and racing with my best effort. I'm most excited to ski on trails new to me and experience the food. I love cross country skiing because it makes me feel empowered and exposes me to nature. Being a Special Olympics athlete means uplifting each other and painting neurodiversity in a good light. Each one of us comes with our own storyline like a book. Each with different sentences and words. We're different not less. Being a Special Olympics athlete also means supporting each other. Thank you to my family members and other athlete's family members for being here to support us. I want to also thank the sponsors and people that make Special Olympics possible. Your love enriches my life and I'm grateful for all my fellow athletes and coaches. You all make me feel loved.
    Darby McIntyre, Special Olympics Team Canada Cross Country Skier