Some of Canada's best Special Olympics Athletes are coming to St. Albert, Alberta.
On Dec. 1, 2009, Special Olympics Canada announced that the community would host the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in February, 2012.
More than 700 athletes, coaches and mission staff from all parts of the country will gather for the multi-sport competition in Alberta's oldest community. Athletes will compete in seven sports including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, speed skating and snowshoeing.
"We are absolutely thrilled at being chosen as the host city for the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games,” St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse said. “St. Albert has a solid reputation for hosting many cultural and sporting events, including the 2009 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games. With our sports amenities and strong commitment by community members, we are ready to make the 2012 games a time for many athletes, coaches and attendees to enjoy and remember.”
Alberta was appointed the host chapter for these games earlier in 2009 with a bid process beginning in June. Three formal bids were submitted by Edmonton, St. Albert and a partnership including Beaumont, Devon, Wetaskiwin and Leduc. All bids were then evaluated by a review committee.
"With exceptional winter games facilities, any of these communities would have been an excellent choice for hosting this national winter competition," John Pinsent, Special Olympics Alberta board chair, said. "We only had one games to award."
These games are a partnership between the city of St. Albert, Special Olympics alberta and Special Olympics Candada. It is the qualifying event for athletes to become members of the national team that will c ompete at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
