Kincardine Special Olympics athletes like competing, spending time with friends

Kincardine's Special Olympics programs have been providing opportunities in sport for athletes with an intellectual disability for more than 20 years. Coached by local volunteers, athletes have represented the community at the district, provincial, national and world levels.

And while competition is great, for the athletes it's more about being with their friends and enjoying the sport.

Thursday nights at the bowling alley in Kincardine, which the owner has allowed Special Olympics to use, Jessica Belyea of Kincardine is having a blast, playing a game of five-pin bowling with her friends.

Having taken on the sport about a year ago, she says her family has a Wii bowling game at home and she wanted to try the real thing. "It's great to be here with all my friends, bowling."

Randy Smith of Kincardine has been bowling for five years, using an assistive device to bowl from his wheelchair. "I like bowling with my friends," he says, "and I like getting strikes - that's great!"

Marianne Stewart of Kincardine has been bowling for about two years and likes throwing the ball down the lane. "And I  like being here with my friends."

About 24 Special Olympians enjoy bowling Thursday nights.

Meanwhile, on Friday evening, you'll find Special Olympics skater Rosie Laidler of Kincardine practising at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine. She has been skating since she was five years old when her parents got her interested in the sport, and she practises twice a week with her coach, Lorilee Nelson.

"I enjoy being here at the arena with my friends," she says, "and going to different places to compete. I like the ice dancing the most - there are patterns to it and I like the beat and rhythm."

Laidler has been competing through Special Olympics since she was 11 years old and won many medals. She won gold and silver at the worlds in Alaska, and last year, she competed at a higher level and won bronze at the worlds in Austria.

And finally, on Sunday mornings, you'll find the curling team practising at the Kincardine Curling Club. Joining coach Jim McDonald at the rink, are skip Ryan Brodhagen, lead Allan Moore and Jessica Belyea, second Jackie McDonald and vice Chris Weese.

Coach McDonald says this is a great group of young people to work with. Three of them - Brodhagen, McDonald and Weese - went to the nationals in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and had a great time, bringing home gold medals.

During practice, they work on their throwing techniques, and sweeping the rock down the ice.

In her first year curling, Belyea says she has watched it on television and wanted to try it. She likes being with her friends at the curling rink.

McDonald has been curling for almost 10 years and says it's something to do on a Sunday morning. "It's good exercise and I enjoy it."

Brodhagen has been curling for a decade and has fallen in love with the sport. "I like being skip of the team because I'm the boss," he says, "but I'm too nervous to throw last rock."

Weese has been curling for seven years and likes coming to the rink and having fun. "I found I'm good at it and I like to get the rock over the hog line. I enjoy meeting new people and playing the game."

Coach McDonald says qualifiers are in March in Walkerton and Hanover. If the Kincardine team qualifies, it will be off to the provincials in Sault Ste. Marie in 2019, and then the nationals in Thunder Bay in 2020.

Joy Laidler, community co-ordinator for Kincardine Special Olympics, says two athletes - Allan Moore in track and field, and Jackie McDonald in swimming - are on the Team Ontario training squad for the National Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, July 31 to Aug. 4. Margaret VanderVaart will also be there as a swim coach.

The local Special Olympics council maintains seven sport clubs, offering weekly sport training throughout the season.

During the winter months, athletes may be found powerlifting at the gym, curling at the rink, and figure skating at the arena. One of the more popular activities is five-pin bowling. In the summer, athletes can participate in track and field and bocce. In spring and fall, there is also swimming.

Bowling began in 2002; curling in 2000; bocce in 2013; track and field in 2003; powerlifting in 2017; and figure skating in about 2000.

"We are always looking to offer other sports if there is interest," said Laidler.
 

She said that In Kincardine, Special Olympics runs completely separate from Community Living. There is a broad range of intellectual disability, and anyone with questions about an athlete's eligibility can contact Laidler.
 

There is no high cost registration fees, thanks to donations and fund-raising. The council does not want cost to be a deciding factor on an athlete participating. It welcomes new athletes and hopes to increase the programs. It is also seeking new volunteers, both coaches and administrative.

"Volunteering with this organization is very rewarding," said Laidler. "Our athletes have tremendous abilities and it's wonderful to see them shine."

For more information on becoming a volunteer or athlete with Special Olympics in the Kincardine area, contact Laidler at kincardine@specialolympicsontario.ca or district developer Hellaina Rothernburg at 1-888-333-5515, Ext. 276.
 

Special Olympics Ontario is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It's mission is to enrich the lives of Ontarians with an intellectual disability through sport. Its vision is that sport will open hearts and minds toward people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all across Ontario. Its values include empowerment, excellence, respect, diversity and inclusion.

For more information about Special Olympics Ontario, check the website at: www.specialolympicsontario.com

For information about Special Olympics Canada, check the website at: www.specialolympics.ca