Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 release
THUNDER BAY – Special Olympics athletes were joined by employees of Newmont Goldcorp Tuesday, for the first of four “Train Like an Athlete” sessions. As presenting sponsor of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020, Newmont Goldcorp witnessed first-hand the dedication and commitment local Special Olympics athletes are putting forth as they prepare to compete this February.
“It is an honour and privilege for our employees to be able to meet and spend time with our amazing local athletes, especially in this environment, where we are witnessing their passion and commitment first-hand,” said Don Burke, MGM, Newmont Goldcorp Musselwhite Mine. “This is an extremely unique opportunity to share in the heart and soul these individuals are putting forth, and their drive is truly an inspiration to all of us. The passion and the overwhelming sense of community are, above all, the reasons we chose to take part in this wonderful experience. On behalf of the whole team at Newmont Goldcorp Musselwhite Mine, I would like to congratulate each of our local athletes on their remarkable achievements—we will be with you all the way!”
New Games Manager, Doug Henry, shared that the athletes didn’t take it easy on their guests. “Our Special Olympics athletes know how to work hard and they made sure the employees of Newmont Goldcorp got a true training experience,” he said. “These events are offering a unique way for us to celebrate the skills and devotion of our athletes, while also celebrating the incredible support of Newmont Goldcorp. With the leadership of our presenting sponsor, the contributions of our other sponsors to date, and the hard work of our Games Organizing Committee, we are moving full speed ahead towards the Games.”
Special Olympics athlete Claire Kachur, who will compete in Speed Skating at the Games, knows how important it is to prepare for her upcoming competition. “I am eating healthy food and exercising daily,” she said. “I am training right now by doing dryland training. Speed skating starts up in October and then I will start skating again.”
About her Special Olympics experience and hopes for the Games, Kachur added “Special Olympics means that I get to have a lot of fun with the other athletes. I want to do my best and have fun and win a medal.”
Kachur is one of 15 Thunder Bay athletes who will compete in February 2020. An additional two athletes from the Kenora chapter are also part of Team Ontario.
The community can learn to train like a Special Olympics athlete too, by watching for tips and highlights on the Games’ social media pages:
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/socgames2020
- Twitter – www.twitter.com/socgames2020
- Instagram – @socgames2020
