Since mid-October, 20 women from Mountain View County and other surrounding counties have volunteered their time, yarn and skills to knit 58 scarves for Special Olympics Canada Winter Games participants.Last fall, Special Olympics Canada asked Albertans to support Special Olympics athletes by knitting scarves. The organization got the scarf idea from the red mittens worn by athletes, coaches and fans at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, which became an enduring symbol of the Games.ìSpecial Olympics Canada asked volunteer knitters to follow the colours of the Winter Games, which are sky blue, white, and a touch of red for the maple leaf,î said Karen Mengersen, chairman of Special Olympics Olds & District.ìSome of the scarves actually have maple leaves on them. Some of them have red tassels. People could do any pattern that they wanted to.îThe goal of the Special Olympics Canada organization was to receive 2,500 scarves in order to give one to every athlete, coach and volunteer that will take part in the Winter Games, which will be held in St. Albert from Feb. 28 to March 3.By Jan. 30, the organization had reached its goal. More scarves were to come, since the deadline was Feb. 1.ìThe goal of 2,500 scarves seemed utterly fantastic and a long way off in October,î said Mengersen.ìAs of Jan. 30, they had reached their goal. It was wonderful. They received scarves from high school home economics classes, a women's prison, relatives in the United States, and all across Canada.îMengersen found volunteer knitters by putting flyers at the bowling alley and at Olds retailer Craig's, which sells knitting fibres.Twenty knitters contacted her, and the result is 58 scarves of various hues and styles. One volunteer was so devoted to the task that she ended up knitting 12 scarves. Another volunteer, Didsbury resident Evelyn Stone, heard of the scarf campaign by chance. She walked into Staples last October, and saw a fundraising campaign for Special Olympics Olds & District. Even though Stone had not knitted in 35 years, she picked up a flyer and produced one scarf.ìShe is now knitting lace and socks. She is so grateful that she happened to be there that day,î said Mengersen.While none of the Special Olympics Olds & District athletes will be participating in the Winter Games, Mengersen thought the scarf campaign could help area residents become more aware of the organization.ìIt puts our name out there. They know we are here and doing something,î she said.Special Olympics Olds & District has 117 athletes participating in nine different sports.
