MARYSTOWN, N.L. — Members of Burin Peninsula North Special Olympics (BPNSO) are “over the moon” to host the 2019 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, according to Trudy Harris-Power.
About 200 athletes, coaches, support workers and others will spend three days in Marystown, from June 21-23, for the event.
Harris-Power is organizing the games along with Lori Hunt. As well, Gordon Brockerville is coordinating the track and field.
Harris-Power said a lot of BPNSO athletes have reached a point where they don’t travel for competitions as much anymore, so they’re excited about hosting the Games and for the opportunity to show what they can do.
“These athletes, in my mind, I can’t say enough good about them. They’re so kind-hearted and they’re so giving and they’re so happy, and it takes very little to satisfy them,” Harris-Power said.
“They get up there and they give it all their best. It’s worthwhile watching. It’s really rewarding, for sure.”
Harris-Power said the coordinators are currently in the process of recruiting volunteers to assist with the Games. They did well with that the last time BPNSO hosted the event but said a few more wouldn’t hurt this time around.
“You can never have too many,” she said.
In addition to the various track races, athletes will compete in shot-put, standing long jump, javelin and high jump events.
Harris-Power said as much as the BPNSO athletes enjoy taking part in the sports during the Games, the social aspect of the event is also very important to them.
“I laugh because all they kind of worry more about is the dance, really, wants to know if there’s a dance,” she said.
