South West is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 121 athletes and 34 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 24 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 19 hitting the courts for Basketball, 26 showing off their strength in powerlifting, 17 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 35 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 Iain Popp from London, Yanhong Dewan from LaSalle Windsor, Kim Parker from London, Kara Hoskins from Simcoe, Dan Robar from Sarnia and Zack Griffith from St Thomas! Read more about them below.
Name: Iain Popp
District: South West Ontario
Community: London
How many years have been involved with Special Olympics?: 4 years
What is one fun fact about you?
This is my first provincial games!
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I can’t wait to be a part of the energy that these games will bring.
Name: Kim Parker
District: South West Ontario
Community: London
Sport: Bowling
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 34 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Trying my best and having fun!
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Being around friends and encouraging them to do well!
Name: Yanhong Dewan
District: South West Ontario
Community: LaSalle Windsor
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 19 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Travelling with the team and being independent. I get amazing excited, 100% excited when I’m competing. I feel like I’m dancing like a ballerina. I’m showing off for the judges. I like it when everybody looks at me and cheers for me.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
All the different sports. The police officers come and say hi to the athletes. My best friends are all in Special Olympics.
I feel so special! I get lots of attention. Everybody is always in a good mood and laughing. It’s a fun way to stay healthy.
Name: Kara Hoskins
District: South West Ontario
Community: Simcoe
Sport: Swimming
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 12 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
The most thing i am looking forward at the 2024 Provincals Spring games to meet new friends and the experience and to swim my races and to have fun
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
My favourite thing about Special Olympics is that meeting new people over the years and experiencing going to different competitions.This is my first provincials games i’m really excited and looking for it it.
Name: Zack Griffith
District: South West Ontario
Community: St Thomas
Sport: Basketball
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 12 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Opening and closing ceremonies, meeting new people and competing in competition.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
I enjoy meeting people making new friendships and competing in competition.
Name: Dan Robar
District: South West Ontario
Community: Sarnia
Sport: Powerlifting
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 26 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Having fun and doing my best to make my family, my coaches and my community proud of me.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Having fun with my friends, meeting new people and showing people what I can do on the powerlifting platform.
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!
