The Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Spring Games kicked off with a bang Thursday night at the Sleeman Centre.
Part official ceremony, part good-time rock concert, 900 athletes and 1,800 family, officials and volunteers enjoyed a rowdy kick-off to the three day event that takes place at various venues throughout the city.
Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a video appearance, urging the participants to “believe, achieve and have fun” in a video message sent from China where Trudeau is on a trade mission.
Hosted by Sportsnet broadcaster and Special Olympics supporter Ivanka Osmak, on the formal side the ceremonies featured several speeches from dignitaries and the official lighting of the games’ torch.
On the more fun side, there were rocking performances by Mudmen and Suzie McNeil that had the athletes dancing in the aisles.
“Your dedication and perseverance is unmatched,” Guelph MP Loyd Longfield said, also in a video message.
“We all share a common goal: to promote physical fitness, demonstrate courage and fairness, experience joy and build friendships with other Special Olympic athletes, their families and people in the community.”
Mayor Cam Guthrie said his message to the athletes was that Guelph was “proud, excited and honoured” to have the athletes in Guelph.
“We cannot wait to cheer you on,” he said.
Guelph Police Chief Jeff DeRuyter, whose force is organizing the games, said it was “a privilege” to host the games.
”What a night it has been, and we’re only getting started,” DeRuyter said.
Former National Hockey League player Rich Peverley, a Guelph native, also made an appearance. A Stanley Cup winner with the Boston Bruins in 2011, Peverley told the athletes that it’s about the ride, not necessarily the end of the journey that counts and that they were going to make memories they would have the rest of their lives.
Events take place throughout the day Friday and Saturday:
- swimming at the University of Guelph pool
- basketball at John F. Ross and St. James high schools
- rhythmic gymnastics at Centennial high school
- bowling at Woodlawn Bowl and Dixon Bowl in Cambridge
- powerlifting at the U of G’s Mitchell Athletics Centre.
