After attending a successful Special Olympics National Summer games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the Ridge Meadows Special Olympics branch is now accepting registrations for the upcoming fall-winter season.
Richard Niesman, Special Olympics athlete, said the best part of Special Olympics is making friends.
“Everybody was nice, and I made new friends,” said Niesman.
The Special Olympics Ridge Meadows registration is on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. in the South Fraser Room at the Maple Ridge Library.
Marc Fisher, Ridge Meadows Special Olympics co-local coordinator and swim coach, said athletes of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in the Special Olympics, and are not required to compete unless they want to.
“Nobody is forced to compete, everyone progresses at their own level and comfort. It’s a good chance for the athletes to see other parts of Canada, meet new people and have new experiences.”
Jason Muldoon, Special Olympics athlete, said his favourite sports are golf and curling.
“I get to do the sports I like,” said Muldoon.
Sports offered in the fall include 10-pin bowling, 5-pin bowling, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting and floor hockey.
The fall season starts mid-September and runs until March.
In late July, Fisher travelled to Antigonish N.S. with Muldoon and Natasha Brayshaw, another Special Olympics athlete.
“B.C. did very well at the national games,” said Fisher.
Jason Muldoon, who competed in golf and travelled to the East Coast for the first time, said overall the trip was good and the Atlantic Ocean was very cold.
“I’ve been golfing since I was a wee boy. It’s fun,” said Muldoon.
The trip was also a first for Brayshaw, who won bronze in swimming.
“Swimming is my passion,” said Brayshaw. “We meet new people and get to compete. It’s awesome and fun. It was my first time (in Antigonish). It was beautiful and breathtaking.”
Niesman competed in bowling nationals which took place in Summerland, P.E.I. He took home a bronze medal, and made plenty of friends.
“Everybody was nice, I got new friends.” said Niesman.
For more information on the Ridge Meadows Special Olympics, Marc Fisher can be contacted at sobc.ridgemeadows@gmail.com.