REGINA – A family within a family. That’s how the trio of Haddad men describe themselves when training with the Special Olympics floor hockey team.
Shane Haddad got involved in Special Olympics 35 years ago, long before he had a family.
“Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I won a gold and a bronze representing Canada in swimming,” he said.
Shane was a multi-sport athlete, also competing in bowling and his favourite game, floor hockey.
Fast-forward a few decades and Shane’s sons are following in his footsteps. All three are now skilled floor hockey players and their blood bond gives Team Saskatchewan a competitive edge.
“It’s awesome having me, my brother and my dad all on the same team, playing together,” said 25-year-old Tyler.
Tyler plays defense, his dad plays goalie and the youngest Haddad boy, Matthew, plays center.
“When we’re on the same line, it’s chemistry. We play pretty well together,” Matthew said.
To stay in shape, the trio is training with their Special Olympics teammates between three and four times a week.
They push past intellectual disabilities to conquer physical challenges, including the beep test.
Even in drills there’s little doubt the family is competitive.
Shane is over 50 years old now, but he doesn’t plan on sitting on the sidelines any time soon.
He wants to be a role model to his children, including his 18-year-old old daughter, who just joined Regina’s Special Olympics basketball team.
“Keep fit, stay healthy. Do whatever you can as long as you can because you’re not going to stay young,” the dad said.
The trio and their team will be heading to Newfoundland in March as part of the Special Olympics National Winter Games.
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