Waterloo Region set to host the Special Olympics Spring Games
Events to be staged May 23 to 26 in Waterloo, Cambridge and Kitchener
Better late than never, the Special Olympics are finally coming to Waterloo Region.
The Provincial Spring Games, for individuals with intellectual disabilities, will run May 23 to 26, with more than 750 athletes competing in five sports: basketball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and 10-pin bowling.
The Games were slated for 2020 but called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service and Special Olympics Ontario are co-hosting the Games.
“The athletes and their families have been waiting four years for these Games, and we are honoured to be a part of it,” said Ontario Spring Games manager John Burke, a constable with the local police.
The opening ceremony is May 23 (7:30 p.m.) at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and the athletes will strut their stuff at locations in Waterloo, Kitchener, Baden and Cambridge.
Basketball at Wilfrid Laurier University and St. David Catholic Secondary School.
Powerlifting at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School.
Rhythmic gymnastics at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School.
Tenpin bowling at AMF Frederick Lanes at the Frederick Street Mall.
Swimming at the Wilmot Recreational Complex and Wilfrid Laurier University.
“The Games are expected to bring 3,000 family and friends to the region where they will be paying for lodging and food as well as entertainment in the uptown Waterloo and downtown Kitchener areas,” said Burke.
Police officers and community members have been working behind the scenes to ensure the Games are a success, said Burke, and volunteer opportunities are still available for community members looking to lend a hand.
About 500 volunteers will be called into action during the event.
“We’re getting there. It’s all the little details now,” said Burke.
“It’s just piecing everything together and making sure everybody has their jobs and all that kind of stuff.”
Additional information is available at provincialgames.com, including links to volunteer opportunities and to offer financial support.