Eastern Ontario is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 107 athletes and 31 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 10 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 48 hitting the courts for Basketball, 6 showing off their strength in powerlifting, 6 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 37 making waves in Swimming! For a comprehensive list of all participating athletes, visit provincialgames.com/district-teams.
This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on some outstanding individuals. Meet Aimee Burtch from Lennox & Addington, Gregory Murdoh from Arnprior, Alex Bevacqua from Bellville Quinte West, Ryan Mitchell-Smithson from Perth, Adele Blew from Ottawa, and David Cory from Lennox & Addington!
Name: Aimee Burtch
District: Eastern Ontario
Community: Lennox & Addington
How many years have been involved with Special Olympics?: 12 years
What is one fun fact about you?
This is my 2nd year being a DTM
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Volunteering with Special Olympics is the gift of inclusion, where every small act creates a world where abilities shine brighter than limitations.
Name: Gregory Murdoh
District: Eastern Ontario
Community: Arnprior
Sport: Swimming
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 25 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
To have fun and do my best.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Keeping healthy and fit.
Name: Alex Bevacqua
District: Eastern Ontario
Community: Belleville Quinte West
Sport: Powerlifting
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 5 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
This is my first provincial games so very exited! I like traveling and staying in the hotel and eating at restaurants with my team mates.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Training every week with my team. My dad takes me every week. I also train in swimming every week and my mom takes me.
Name: Ryan Mitchell-Smithson
District: Eastern Ontario
Community: Perth
Sport: Basketball
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 5 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Meeting new people and having this opportunity to experience something new!
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Getting to see all of my friends. I love sports and I enjoy being able to play basketball with everyone.
Name: Adele Blew
District: Eastern Ontario
Community: Ottawa
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 6 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I’m excited to see my friends and compete. I’m excited to do the best I can.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
I love to see my friends and I also love dancing at rhythmic gymnastics.
Name: David Cory
District: Eastern Ontario
Community: Lennox & Addington
Sport: 10 Pin Bowling
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 6 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Meeting new friends and getting to bowl.
Draft an Athlete for the Provincial Games!
Be a part of an athlete’s achievement! Be a part of a draft that celebrates inclusion and diversity! Donate today to help an athlete achieve their dreams and compete at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games.
Learn more about the draft an athlete program here!