Celebrating our Athletes
Provincials - Spring Games
Congratulations to our Provincial competitors! They showed strongly at the Spring Games in Waterloo, ON from May 23-26! The Orillia Basketball Team took home a silver while swimmers Stephen Graham (3 golds and a silver), Shelly Therault (2 golds), and Leeane Gutknecht (3 bronze) cleaned up in the pool!
Many thanks to our dedicated coaches, Linda, Taylor, and Richard and to the Orillia SportChek for their sponsorship!
NATIONALS
Congratulations to our own Stephen Graham. He was selected to attend the 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta from February 27 to March 2, 2024. He competed in Speed Skating, racing the 500, 777, 1000, and 1500 metre races, winning three bronzes and a silver! Stephen was racing against 20 year old when he is in his 40s and celebrates having broken multiple personal best records! We are so proud of you, Stephen!
FALL/WINTER 2023-2024 ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
October 2023:
Eric Curls, bowls, and played basketball this past summer. He is eager, enthusiastic, and is a fast learner. Being home schooled, Eric really loves the social aspect of sports and can't wait for his weekly games. Participating in sports allows Eric to feel good about himself. Not bad for his first year as a Special Olympics Athlete!!
November 2023:
This is Max! Max is 12 years old and loves everything sports! He is doing his first year of basketball and is super excited to be a part of the team. Max is already a tremendous defender and is working on his dribbling skills. Welcome to the team, Max!
November 2023:
This is Daniel. He is Athlete of the Week for bowling. He has been bowling for 6 years. Daniel also plays basketball with Special Olympics Orillia. He loves to play video games and, in his spare time, volunteers at the Health Unit. Way to go, Daniel!
November 2023:
Roan is 15 years old and has been involved with Special Olympics for 2 years now. He has played Softball, Soccer, Basketball, and Floor Hockey. This is his second season in Floor Hockey and he has improved tremendously. Yeah, Roan!!!
December 2023:
Athlete of the Week: Shelly has been a member of the Special Olympics Torpedoes Swim Club for the past 10 years. Shelly is heading to her second Provincial Games in Waterloo in May 2024. What an accomplishment! Good luck to you, Shelly!
December 2023:
Bill is one of our long standing athletes. Over his 30 years participating in Special Olympics, he's done Track and Field, Bowling, and Baseball. His focus now is Curling, joining when the club started in 2010. He likes seeing the people he's known for years, and is definitely a perfect example of a teammate; always eager to help by encouraging his teammates, and always with a smile on his face.
January 2024:
Carolyn has been curling since 2019, and also curls in the mixed tag draw league. She bowls and golfs with Special Olympics as well. Carolyn loves the game of curling and enjoys the friendships. She is positive, kind, thoughtful, and encouraging.
January 2024:
Rodney is this weeks Athlete of the Week. With such great talent and athleticism, Rodney continues to impress his coaches and be a valuable member of the Floor Hockey team. Keep up the good work, Rodney!
January 2024:
Our Athlete of the Week is Nina. She has been involved in Special Olympics Basketball for three years! Her favourite part is playing the game! She doesn't let anyone get past her and she always likes to take on a challenge!
February 2024:
Athelete of the Week: Robert. Robert has been bowling his whole adult life and has even been to provincials once where had the best time. Robert is always cheering his teammates on. Robert loves bowling and especially loves when he gets a strike. Robert's secret weapon is bright orange bowling balls.
March 2024:
Branson joined Special Olympics Orillia 5 years ago. He has curled for 3 years and is an enthusiastic curler! He loves playing sports and being with all of his friends. He also enjoys basketball, baseball, and soccer......although he claims curling is his favourite!
March 2024:
Ryan has been involved with Special Olympics for about 20 years! He plays basketball, soccer, golf, and floor hockey. In the past, he has been involved in 5 pin bowling. He has a very positive attitude and is a pleasure to have on our team.
