More than 1,000 athletes, volunteers and spectators erupted with cheer at the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games closing ceremonies as the torch was handed over to Vancouver, the next host of the Summer Games.
This gesture signaled the end of the games in St. Albert, but for the athletes, it also meant it was time to dance — organizers said this was the most important event for some athletes.
Lindsay Glassco, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Canada, told participants she would keep her closing speech short because she knew they were all focused on hitting the dance floor.
“The 2012 Games have been a success on so many levels,” she said. “You came to these Games as winners and you are leaving and returning home as heroes.”
This sentiment was shared by a handful of local politicians and Special Olympics dignitaries who spoke at the ceremony, including St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse and Edmonton-St. Albert MP Brent Rathgeber.
More than 650 athletes participated in the five-day event held in St. Albert, Jasper and Strathcona County. The organizing committee says the overall event was a success.
“People are happy and the athletes are ecstatic,” said Dan MacLennan, chair of the organizing committee. “You couldn’t tell who got gold because everyone was so happy and that’s what I go by.”
He said there were a few minor hiccups at the games, including the longer-than-expected opening ceremonies and award ceremonies, but was quick to point out these were only minor concerns.
“There’s always bumps along the way and some things went a little longer than we’d like, but at the end of the day … the athletes are happy so it’s a success,” he said.
This success is, in large part, a result of outstanding facilities, dedicated volunteers and long hours behind the scenes, he said.
MacLennan said the various facilities, specifically Servus Place, the St. Albert curling club and the St. Albert rugby club, have all received praise from visitors across the country.
“People are just amazed at the facilities that we had,” he said. “Servus Place used to be pretty controversial, but you should hear the praise from these people on how lucky were are to have a Servus Place in our town.”
MacLennan said he believes many of the guests attending the Special Olympics will be back in St. Albert as a result of the experience they had at the games.
“Theses people are leaving here happy. They spent money and they’ll be back to spend more money,” he said. “They loved it here.”
The games brought in hundreds of volunteer applications, with many being turned away because there were no vacancies. MacLennan said he hopes to see this dedication to the Special Olympics continue, even though the games in St. Albert have come to a close.
“I’m hoping that people step forward and continue their involvements because it’s nothing but smiles and good times for the Special Olympics,” he said. “I’ll always be a supporter of the Special Olympics. It really just renews your faith in sport.”
The next step for some of the athletes is to compete on the national level at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea next year.
Extra handmade scarves may accompany these athletes, said Kathy Manchak, director of special events and hospitality. More than 3,300 scarves were collected for the scarf project, which aimed to gather 2,500 scarves for athletes and volunteers at the games in St. Albert. About 50 scarves are left over and she hopes to send at least 150 with Team Canada athletes.
Anyone interested in contributing to the project can visit www.stalbert2012.ca for project specifications.
