REGINA – It was all smiles at YQR airport as members of Team Sask prepared for takeoff.
They’ll be joining the other half of their team from Saskatoon, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland for the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games from March 1st to March 5th.
The national event features over 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in seven winter sport games.
“They’ve been selected since Spring so we had our Provincial play downs last winter.”
“They’ve been on Team Sask for almost a whole year now and they’ve been training that whole time,” Special Olympics Saskatchewan CEO Faye Matt explained.
For Shane Haddad, this isn’t his first rodeo. He’s been an athlete with the Special Olympics for almost 35 years, previously winning a Gold and bronze medal at the World Games in 1983.
“The opening ceremonies are just fabulous and they get you spinning to be the best at your sport and it’s just awesome when you’re down there as a team”, Shane Haddad remembered.
Although he’s a veteran, he is experiencing some firsts this season with his floor hockey team.
It’s the first time in provincial history three members from the same family will compete together on the national stage.
“Two family outings a week, it brings us closer together and just everything is fabulous”, Shane Haddad said.
For older brother Tyler Haddad, this will be his second time competing nationally but for younger brother Matthew, he’s new to the Special Olympic stage.
“This is my first Nationals, so I don’t know what to expect but I’m going to go out there and give it my all.”
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