Athletes from the Valley recently returned triumphant from the Special Olympics BC Winter Games. And they brought a whole lot of sparkle back with them.
The games were held Feb. 2-4 in Kamloops. Port Alberni’s Jamie Amos, and Drew Rhodes of Victoria, led the Region 6 athletes as they marched in the Opening Ceremonies.
Local participants won gold, silver, and bronze medals. And everyone was stoked to see it.
The Special Olympics – Port Alberni Facebook page has been buzzing, with folks celebrating all the athletes who went to the games this year.
One post summarized the overall vibe of love and pride: “Want to say to everyone that was in Kamloops, you are all amazing. To the athletes, we are all proud of you; even if you didn’t win a medal, you are still winners.”
A total of 22 athletes and five coaches from the Valley participated.
Amos went from leading at the opening ceremonies to winning gold in Level 1 Men’s Freeskate.
Kari Trott, also from the Valley, won silver in Level 3 Women’s Freeskate.
”Our curling team, made up of Tyler VanKooten, Sarah Riddalls, Kim Giesbrecht, Simone Myers, and Michael Booth, swept away the competition, winning a bronze in the “A” Division.“
Both Port Alberni bowling teams came out as winners.
The Grizzlies (Jenna Domovich, Crystal Domovich, Sebastien Thomas, Dakota Tate and Cody Booth) won silver in their division.
The Trouble Makers (Joey Elgood, Dan Noble, Lee-Anne MacDonald, Dawn Mills, and Cheyenne Jokinen) came in fourth in their division.
Also in bowling, Port Alberni’s Maurice Bernier played for the Cowichan Valley Strikers, the gold-winning team in their division.
”Crystal Domovich and Cheyenne Jokinen won gold medals for “Female Highest Scratch” and “Female Highest Total Scratch” in their respective divisions.
Other local athletes won medals in the floor hockey “A” division. Kirk Margetish and Chris Malboeuf (Comox Vipers) won the gold medal. Andrew Geddes and Brad Cuez (Victoria Wolfpack)took home bronze.
Regardless of the result, it is safe to say these Valley athletes showed the Olympics the best of Port Alberni!
