Innisfail Special Olympians brought two medals home from the 2013 Special Olympics Alberta Spring Games in Red Deer over the April 20 weekend.
It was the first year participating in the event and the team placed fifth overall, said Gavin Lobb, chairman of Special Olympics Innisfail.
“There was a big contingent of people there,” he said. “I think it was excellent.”
In individual bowling Jesse Crossman, 20, won a bronze medal and Walter Pike, 50, won silver. The competition featured about 800 participants, coaches and volunteers from out of town, helping make the bowling, basketball and swimming events a success.
“They were very proud and happy to support Innisfail,” Lobb said of the Innisfail athletes. “Special Olympics is a big deal.”
Before the opening ceremonies, members of the Innisfail squad reflected on the task ahead.
Crossman said going to the provincewide competition with the local team gives him a chance to “meet a lot of new people” and have fun.
“I'm just there to work as a team,” he said.
Chris Yousph, 53, has been participating in Special Olympics competitions in floor hockey and baseball categories for 30 years. He likes bowling because it's a team sport, he said.
“That's good stuff,” he said, adding he always looks forward to “meeting new competition and having fun.”
Pike said he still gets a bit nervous before competitions.
“I've been bowling off and on for 20 years,” he said. “I'm hoping to get lots of strikes.”
Matt Novak, 34, has been bowling for eight years in Airdrie, Lethbridge and Calgary before playing for Innisfail.
“It makes me happy,” he said, adding he also likes the celebrations after the game too.
Jody Young, 29, said focus is important when bowling.
“I like strikes,” he said. “Every time I miss I go in the gutter.”
Lobb said it was great Innisfail could take part in the provincial competition.
“The heads of Special Olympics were very excited to see Innisfail involved,” he said. “We were glad to do it.”
He's hoping the medals may inspire people to help keep the local Special Olympics program going.
“To keep doing it we need volunteers to help continue this organization on,” he said. “It's a lot of work for three or four people.”
Pat McAllister, head coach, said Special Olympians had to qualify over the course of the winter bowling season.
“They brought the interest in bowling back to me,” he said. “I watch them and they just go out there and have fun.”
