Olds Special Olympian Mark Mengersen is now on his way to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
He's one of 15 Albertans named to the 109-member Canadian team that will compete in those Games March 14-21. Mengersen is part of the 10-pin bowling team.
Mengersen left Calgary on the first leg of the journey Wednesday morning (March 6) on a flight to Toronto. After a special send-off from sponsors and Special Olympian officials, the team will fly from Toronto to Abu Dhabi Thursday night.
His mom, Karen, said the Summer Games are being held in March because at that time of year, the average temperature is 28 C, compared to more than 42 C in the summer.
Mengersen qualified as a result of a dominating performance in the Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships in Charlottetown, P.E.I and 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, N.S. last summer.
During the bowling championships, Mengersen won gold in singles and gold overall in his division as well as silver in team competition and doubles.
In his last game, he bowled 60 points over his average. At one point, he got six strikes in a row.
Unfortunately, Mark will be making the trip without his mom. She said she can't afford the cost, which she estimates to be at least $5,000, likely more than $7,000 per person.
During an interview with the Albertan, Karen said ESPN will be covering a good portion of the Games, including the opening ceremonies, so she's hoping to follow Mark's progress that way as well.
"I don't have to pay anything to stay here and watch him bowl."
"During the opening ceremonies he's going to wave at the cameras so I can see him. We hope," she said.
Further details coming in a later edition of the Albertan.
