Team Canada will have four representatives from Prince Edward Island at the Special Olympics World Games in the Republic of Korea later this month, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“To be chosen to represent Canada is a great honour,” said Minister Currie.
Island representatives on Team Canada include figure skater Alyssa Chapman, nordic skier Ellen MacNearney, Mission Staff Charity Sheehan, and Team Canada Mental Trainer Tara Costello-Ledwell.
“As Minister responsible for Sport, I want to wish each of these ladies great success at the World Games,” said Minister Currie. “Alyssa and Ellen have been training and preparing for years for this opportunity, and I wish them all the best on their quest for gold for Canada. I want to thank Charity and Tara for their leadership; you each play an integral role in Team Canada’s success.”
“This really is a trip of a lifetime,” said Mission Staff Charity Sheehan. “This is the first world games for both of our Island athletes, so they are a bit nervous but still really fueled with excitement. To walk in representing Canada, wearing the red uniforms, I think they are thrilled by that and they can’t wait to experience it all.”
“From January 29 to February 5, all eyes will be on PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, when it hosts the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games – the world’s largest sports event in 2013, second only in size to the Olympic Games,” said Special Olympics PEI Executive Director Valerie Downe. “We are extremely proud that PEI will be represented by athletes Alyssa Chapman and Ellen MacNearney and by Mission Staff Charity Sheehan and Mental Trainer Tara Costello-Ledwell. We invite all Islanders to follow their progress online at teamcanada2013.ca and through Special Olympic PEI’s Facebook page and twitter@specialOPEI.”
A rally will take place on January 22, and all Islanders are invited to come and celebrate with our Team Canada athletes/staff as they prepare to compete at the 2013 World Games.
“This rally serves as a wonderful send-off for our Team Canada members,” said Minister Currie. “It’s a night to celebrate their commitment and achievements, and to support all of them as they compete in world level competitions.”
The celebration will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday January 22, 2013 at the Montague Wellness Centre. Islanders will have an opportunity to meet Prince Edward Island’s Team Canada members, sign a recognition guest book and enjoy light refreshments.
2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place in PyeongChang, the Republic of Korea, from January 29 to February 5, 2013. There will be approximately 2,300 athletes, and 1,000 coaches and volunteers from 113 countries. Team Canada will be comprised of 141 people (102 athletes and 39 coaches and mission staff). Team Canada will have representation in Figure Skating, Snowshoe, Nordic Ski, Alpine Ski, Floor Hockey and Speed Skating.