Special Olympics NWT’s fundraising partners, Law Enforcement Torch Run, held their first Convoy for a Cause on Saturday, March 17.  More than 20 truckers were part of the Convoy that made its way from the sandpits to the multiplex.  Thanks to the generous support of the Contwoyto to Tibbett Joint Venture Group and the individual drivers, over $30,000 was raised to help cover the cost of facility rentals and equipment for Special Olympics sports.

We thank all those who contributed and participated in the event.

The snowshoeing mini-sport session got off to a great start on Saturday, March 17.  Despite cool winds, ten athletes got a chance to learn the basics of snowshoeing and try some games at the civic plaza.   There was great support from the four instructors along with family and friends.  This mini-session will also run March 24 and 31.

Our athletes are back from a very successful Winter Nationals in Alberta.  Cynthia Simmons bought home 4 silver medals in speed skating while teammate Loic Burns returned with a gold medal and 2 bronze medals. In figure skating, Harper Sateana-Barr completed both her elements and dance portions in fine form.  While at the games, the athletes were part of the Opening and Closing ceremonies and had a chance to celebrate with new friends at a dance on the final evening.

A big thank you to coaches Vince Casey (speed skating), Kelly Cumming (figure skating), Chef de Mission Grant Marriott and Team Manager Tracey Robertson for their time, effort and energy.

It’s time once again for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Herc Pull with our great sponsors, First Air. Please come out and support this fun event on Saturday, September 10 from 10 – 2. The more teams, the merrier! For registration information, contact letr-nt@hotmail.com

The 2011/12 Special Olympics year kicks off Saturday, September 17 with our Welcome Back Warm-Up and Registration. Come on out to Northern United Place at 1:00 ready to move and shake. All athletes, volunteers and coaches are invited to be part of a short warm-up session and then we’ll have registration. Don’t forget your helath care card.
If you are new to Special Olympics NWT or would like to volunteer, please give us a call at 446-2873 for more information.

SONWT is happy to offer a fall session of Active Start for ages 2 – 5 and FUNdamentals for ages 6 – 11. Both programs are family centred, for children and a parent or other adult to enjoy together. Over ten weeks, each participant develops their sport skills at their own pace.
Classes start Saturday, September 10 at JH Sissons school. There is no cost for the program but please register in advance. For information or a registration form, you can contact lynn@sonwt.ca or call 446-2873

We are into the final months of our winter Special Olympics programs.  Figure skating and speed skating have now finished for the season.  Rhythmic gymnastics, bowling and swimming are still underway until our year-end wrap-up.  All Special Olympians should mark May 4 as the year-end banquet, once again to take place at the bowling alley.  For swimmers, there will also be a fun event at the last swimming session of the year on May 8.

Special Olympics NWT programs couldn’t exist with our volunteers and our sponsors.  Staples has been a great supporter of Special Olympics across Canada.  Our local Staples store in Yellowknife and the staff were outstanding in their efforts on our behalf this year and were one of the most successful stores in the country for raising money for Special Olympics.  Thanks so much to Staples and to everyone who made a donation at the store.

Six athletes did a wonderful job of representing the Northwest Territories at the recent Provincial Games in Leduc/Edmonton.  At the speed skating rink, Loic, Pierre and Chris all set personal best times and won several medals.  Over at figure skating, Annie, Harper and Phoebe all exceeded past personal results and Annie and Harper medaled in their divisions.  Coaches Vince and Kelly were very pleased with everyone’s results.

The following week, Annie travelled with coach Brenda to the Canada Games.  She did very well and was selected as the flag bearer for the NWT team at the closing ceremonies.

Six athletes are about to represent Special Olympics NWT at the 2011 Provincial Games in Edmonton/Leduc on February 12.  Phoebe, Annie and Harper will share their talents in figure skating while Pierre, Loic and Chris will be tearing up the speed skating oval.  Coaches Kelly and Vince will be there to help them do their best.  Good luck to all our athletes!!