South Central is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 206 athletes and 60 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 29 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 93 hitting the courts for Basketball, 5 showing off their strength in powerlifting, 14 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 65 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 Justin Cremasco from Guelph, Candace Moroso from Burlington, Emily Arbic-Cohen from Halton Hills, Brad Van Alten from Cambridge, and Ryan Pozzobon from St. Catherines. Read more about them below.
Name: Justin Cremasco
District: South Central Ontario
Community: Guelph
How many years have been involved with Special Olympics?: 30 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am looking forward to bowling with my teammates and cheering our team on. Going to provincials means I get to meet new people and connect with friends I have met along the way
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
My favourite thing about Special Olympics is the feeling of belonging to a team. I met my Girlfriend Paula at Special Olympics The coaches are all very nice.
Name: Candace Moroso
District: South Central Ontario
Community: Burlington
How many years have been involved with Special Olympics?: 12 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am most looking forward to my team & I trying our best on the court and also having fun. I’m excited for the opening and closing ceremonies. I hope that all the athletes that compete at the games have a good time.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
My favourite thing about Special Olympics is that my team and I always support each other off and on the basketball court. Also, all of my coaches always encourage us to be our best.
Name: Emily Arbic-Cohen
District: South Central Ontario
Community: Halton Hills
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 12 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
I am looking forward to seeing some old friends and coaches that I met at the last Provincials and hopefully qualifying to go to Nationals.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
I love the diversity of the athletes who participate. I love being part of a team, making new friends and being given the opportunity to practice and do well in a sport that I love. I like that if I try my best and do well, I can possibly go to Nationals and maybe on to Worlds.
Name: Brad Van Alten
District: South Central Ontario
Community: Cambridge
Sport: Swimming
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 6 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Brad is looking forward to the excitement of a bigger event. Being involved in higher level athletics is super inspirational! Brad is brimming with confidence and cannot wait to swim against other athletes. Brad would like to meet some new people because everyone is so friendly at swim meets.
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Brad likes to be with his friends at swim team. He is dedicated to his team and loves both practices and competitions. The coaches are happy and enthusiastic. The atmosphere is one of kindness and encouragement so everyone thrives!
Name: Ryan Pozzobon
District: South Central Ontario
Community: St Catherines
Sport: Powerlifting
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 20 years
What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games?
Competing and meeting other athletes
What is your favourite thing about Special Olympics?
Winning medals.
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!
