Special Olympians bring home the gold

Team Alberta swimmers cleaned up at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver last week.

St. Albert representatives Connor Bissett and Michelle Tschetter picked up a total of 15 swimming medals between the two of them.

“I think we did great,” said Tschetter.

“I didn’t know what to expect because we were against swimmers we’ve never met before, but the whole team did so well.”

Tschetter thanked her coaches, friends and family for all of their support during the games. She was happy for her friend, Connor Bissett, who celebrated his 14th birthday during the games.

“It was really nice,” said Margo Bissett, Connor’s mother.

“The team decorated the place with streamers and had cupcakes. Connor loved it.”

Bissett was the youngest athlete at the games and one of the most successful. He medalled in all nine events he competed in, taking home three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.

“It was such a rush for us,” said Margo. “This was a big step up in competition and we didn’t know if he would place. I’m so proud of him.”

Connor Bissett was born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It affects his social skills and makes it difficult for him to communicate with others.

“Connor really likes to compete,” said Margo.

“The Special Olympics program has been good for him and he loves swimming.”

This was Bissett’s first time competing at the national level.

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games ran from July 8th to 12th in Vancouver and involved over 2,000 athletes from across the country.