Special Olympic Athletes shine at hometown games

By Casandra Turnbull

Athletic prowess was on full display earlier this month as Special Olympic athletes competed at the Hometown Games hosted in Brantford at the Kiwanis Fields.

Around 290 athletes from more than 10 communities across Ontario participated in the one-day track and field Brantford Special Olympics Hometown Games The day started with opening ceremonies where County of Brant Mayor David Bailey and City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davies shared some inspiring remarks and Keon Murphy piped in the group of athletes to officially kick start the games.

The Brantford team of athletes, composed of 40 athletes from mainly the City of Brantford and County of Brant, far exceeded expectations, said coach Jake Jones.

“Many personal bests were achieved. Many athletes competed in new events for the first time. A few new athletes competed in their first Special Olympics competitions ever,” Jones shared.

To prepare for the games, the track and field team practices twice a week at Kiwanis Field. They focus on a rotation of events including track (short and long races), shot put, javelin and standing/running long jump. Continued on page 18

Many team Brantford athletes walked away with big smiles and some medals to prove their hard work and determination certainly paid off.

Two athletes really stood out, said Jones. Eight-year-old Shakeim Brown, a new athlete on the team, excelled in his first competition placing first in all his events – 100, 200 and 400 metre dash, long jump and shot put. More importantly he achieved personal bests in every event.

“Our goal was to run the entire 400m without stopping and he did just that,” Jones reported. Hunter Grantham was another fierce competitor who also achieved personal bests in all his events. “One thing that stands Hunter apart from the other athletes is that before each race, he does at least 20 push ups, 10 of these on his knuckles,” said Jones. “Hunter claims this is to pump himself up and get his blood moving but I believe there is an intimidation factor associated as well!”

While all athletes walked away with huge smiles and a renewed sense of self accomplishment, some even qualified for the Provincial Games, and many will move on to the Canadian games – with one athlete even qualifying for Worlds

“Being involved in Special Olympics as a coach is a great opportunity. There is a large range of skill levels associated with Special Olympics, from new athletes learning the fundamental skills to athletes refining their skills and competing at a higher level,” Jones explained. “Each athlete comes with their own unique set of skills and abilities The joy of coaching in this program is trying to adapt coaching strategies in a way that works for each individual athlete. This means that as a coach, you must learn and grow just as much as the athletes themselves.”

The time and dedication from volunteers like Jones – and the 75 individuals it took to run the games is evident in the spirit of the athletes as they share their thoughts on the experience

“It’s great. I had fun at the track and field meet. Everyone is so nice. My favourite was the 100m and 50 m running I did running, shot put, long jump and javelin,” said nineyear-old Ryan Gain.

Twenty-one-year-old Spencer Luff is proud to be a member of the Brantford Special Olympics Team. “I enjoyed the opening ceremonies and also spending the day with my friends. I loved competing in all my events especially running,” he said. Jacob Potts, 21, who also goes by Tigger because of his ability to long jump, also commented on his experience. “I love track and field practice and the track meet I love cheering for my teammates Track is good for my body too.”

Following this local meet, the team will continue to practice as they will be attending one more competition in August at the Invitational Meet held at York University. All these competitions are in preparation for next year’s big provincial qualifying meet, said Jones.

See additional medal photos and standings on page 19

Athletes received their medals on July 18th , following the Brantford Special Olympics Hometown Games. Approximately 290 athletes from over 10 communities across Ontario competed in the games. Photos submitted by Patti Mitchell