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Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 Returns to Calgary in Preparation for World Winter Games in Turin

December 06, 2024
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Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 Returns to Calgary in Preparation for World Winter Games in Turin

CALGARY, AB (December 9, 2024) – Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 is returning to where their incredible journey to global stage first began. After being named to the National Team after qualifying at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, the athletes, coaches, and mission staff will reunite for their first in-person Training Camp from December 12-15, 2024. This camp marks a key milestone in the preparation to represent Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, from March 8-15, 2025.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are the world’s largest sports and humanitarian event. The upcoming Games in Turin will bring together more than 1,500 athletes from 103 countries. It’s a powerful demonstration of inclusion, acceptance, and unity on a global scale—and Special Olympics Team Canada is ready to make their mark.

“We’re coming together stronger than ever,” says Special Olympics Team Canada alpine skier and Calgary local, Brett Garth. “Having all my teammates back in my hometown for training camp brings back so many great memories of competing and qualifying. Now it’s time to build on that momentum and show the world what we can do in Turin.”

“Returning to Calgary feels like coming home. This is where the athletes’ journey began, and it’s the perfect place to unite our team as we prepare for the ultimate challenge in Turin.”
Charity Sheehan, Chef de Mission for Special Olympics Team Canada 2025

Tourism Calgary, a proud partner of the local Games Organizing Committee for the 2024 National Games, is thrilled to welcome Special Olympics Team Canada back to Albertan soil.

“On behalf of Tourism Calgary, I am thrilled to welcome the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Team Canada back to Calgary as they prepare for the World Games,” says Alisha Reynolds, Tourism Calgary CEO. “Hosting the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024 this past February was such a tremendous experience and we couldn’t be more proud that they chose Calgary as the first stop for training camp. We continue to be inspired by the determination and passion of these athletes, and the sense of community they bring to our city.  We will be cheering them on every step of the way.”

Adding to the excitement is the participation of Olympian and Calgary native Cheryl Bernard, who will serve as the Honorary Coach for Special Olympics Team Canada 2025. Celebrated for her accomplishments on the ice and her leadership off it, Bernard will provide invaluable guidance and encouragement, rallying the team and cheering them on as they proudly don the maple leaf and represent Canada on the world stage.

"It's an absolute privilege to wear the maple leaf for my third time alongside this remarkable group of athletes, coaches, mission staff and team leadership,” shares Cheryl Bernard, Honorary Coach of Special Olympics Team Canada 2025. “Having co-chaired the qualifying National Games in Calgary earlier this year, I had the opportunity to watch many of the athletes compete and was in awe at their dedication, spirit and talent. To continue the journey with them to the finish line on the world stage is incredibly special to me. I will be cheering my heart out for them, and I can’t wait for more Canadians to witness what Special Olympics Team Canada is capable of.”

Media Invitation

Media are invited to attend the sport-specific training day on December 13, 2024, for exclusive on-location interviews with athletes, coaches, and key spokespeople for the team. This is a unique opportunity to capture the excitement and dedication of Special Olympics Team Canada as they train together for the first time on their road to compete on the international stage.

Spokespeople available for interviews include:

  • Special Olympics Team Canada athletes and coaches from each Province/Territory
  • Gail Hamamoto, CEO, Special Olympics Canada
  • Charity Sheehan, Chef de Mission, Special Olympics Team Canada 2025
  • Cheryl Bernard, Honorary Coach, Special Olympics Team Canada 2025
  • Alisha Reynolds (CEO) or Carson Ackroyd (Sr. VP), Tourism Calgary

About Special Olympics Canada

Established in 1974, Special Olympics Canada is part of a global movement dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. With sport clubs in 12 Provincial and Territorial Chapters, this grassroots organization empowers individuals, changes attitudes, and builds inclusive communities. Serving over 42,000 athletes year-round, Special Olympics Canada offers programs for individuals of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @SpecialOCanada.

For media inquiries, please contact:

 

Allie Wiebe

Communications Liaison

Special Olympics Team Canada

Email: awiebe@specialolympics.ca

Phone: 647-676-7440

 

Sarah Profitt-Wagner

Communications Liaison

Special Olympics Team Canada

Email: swagner@sopei.com

Phone: 902-213-8434