Local athletes returned home with heavy suitcases, but light hearts, after several podium finishes at the 2019 Provincial Winter Games.
The Blue Mountain Special Olympics Alpine team won 27 medals at the games in Sault Ste. Marie last week.
There were 13 athletes on the team, and 10 medalled in multiple events.
The medal count included 12 golds, 14 silver, and one bronze.
“The team rocked it and obviously had fun doing it,” said head coach Terry Sears in a press release. “Great effort by all athletes and the coaches now reap the benefits of their hard work and dedication. It’s a pleasure to lead such a super organization.”
Blue Mountain’s athletes combined with Barrie to form a Southern Ontario team of 20. This was the largest group of athletes to qualify for the games since the Blue Mountain team was formed.
Former world champion athlete Matthew Fields won a gold and two silvers in the Sault Ste. Marie games. Steph Smith, a veteran athlete on the local team, picked up three silver medals in three race events.
Other medal winners include three golds for Krista Robinson, a gold for Craig Distin, three for David Szakall, two for Alexander Szakall, and one each for Jimmy Cleary and Kael Gautier.
Silver medallists include Alexander Szakall, two for Mimmy Cleary, two for Matthew Fields, three for Robin Shuter, and one each for Craig Distin and Erin Wright. Erin Wright picked up a bronze medal.
According to the press release sent by the team, the Blue Mountain Special Olympics Alpine Team is the largest program in Canada with 35 athletes and the help of more than 45 volunteers.