Kneeling on the track in a starting position, a wide smile spreads across Sara Albers’ face as she gets ready for the race to start.
Albers is among the Ontario athletes representing her province at the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games held in London July 13-17. Approximately 1,400 participants from every province and territory (except Nunavut) and will be joined by close to 2,000 family and friends.
Sara Albers is among the participants in the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games held July 13-17 in London.
Many of the events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, will be hosted by The University of Western Ontario.
“For anyone with a child with special needs, it really does give them a platform for them to excel,” says Albers’ mother, Jennifer. “They (spectators) clap just as hard for the last person as the first.”
The 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will serve as a qualifier for the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Athens, Greece.
The 14-year-old Albers is competing in the 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races, as well as long jump, and shot put events. Her mother will be volunteering at the family and friends tent.
Not one to put any pressure on herself, Albers is focused on just doing her best.
“I don’t run the racers, I run against the clock,” says the London resident. “It makes me feel great.”
The Special Olympics is an amazing organization, adds Jennifer.
“To see these athletes that live in a world that doesn’t always accommodate them, I’m looking forward to them all doing well. You get wrapped up in the support for every athlete.”
Admission is free to all of the events. Those unable to attend the opening ceremonies on Tuesday, July 13 at TD Waterhouse Stadium can watch the live broadcast on Rogers TV, Cable 13, beginning at 7 p.m.
Television personality Don Cherry will lead the Special Olympic participants in the Athletes Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The public is invited to attend two special youth demonstrations. On July 14, Western Student Recreation Centre is hosting a demonstration of rhythmic gymnastics at 11:30 a.m. On July 15, visitors can watch a demonstration of athletics at 11:30 a.m. at TD Waterhouse Stadium.
Hosting the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games is a significant undertaking, which requires countless volunteers and supporters. It is also expected to have a significant economic impact on the city.
“People will notice the high caliber of athletic ability,” says Rick Gillespie, general manager of the Games. “They are the elite athletes from their areas.”
Dianne Cunningham, Director of the Lawrence National Centre for Policy & Management at the Richard Ivey School of Business, is one of the co-chairs of the Games, along with School of Kinesiology professor Darwin Semotiuk and London Police Chief Murray Faulkner.