2016 Special Olympics Team Alberta

The Cause

Special Olympics is committed to enriching the lives of Albertans with an intellectual disability through sport. The primary use of these funds will be to support our 2016 Team Alberta, who will be attending National games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, March 1-7, 2016. Team Alberta is comprised of 69 athletes with intellectual disabilities, ranging in age from thirteen to seniors, and 29 mission staff and coaches. Team preparation includes ongoing training, two training camps, travel, uniforms, team registration costs, website development for Team Alberta.

Who Will it Benefit?

For people with an intellectual disability, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to develop a strong belief in themselves. Through Special Olympics, they begin to see themselves differently. Whether by stepping onto the ice or onto the track, they now see themselves as athletes who can do so much more. Most attitudes toward people with an intellectual disability are framed by misconceptions about what they can and cannot do. But look at Special Olympics athletes in competition. You’ll see the seriousness, the commitment, and the courage. When you see their accomplishments firsthand, you can’t help but think differently. Our attitudes change and our perspectives widen.

Team Alberta is the highest level of competition and recognition that we can provide our Alberta athletes. It provides an amazing development and life experience opportunity for them and their families. SOA utilizes funding to ensure that there are no financial barriers for the athletes involved, many of whom are on financial assistance and would not have the resources to take advantage of this opportunity.

More information is available on the Team Alberta website at http://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/teamab