It was indeed a special occasion for three local athletes who turned in outstanding performances last weekend at the Special Olympics national track and field championships in Brandon, Man.
Ryan Normand, 23, competed at nationals for the second time and did the community proud competing in seven events, winning one gold medal (4 by 100 metre relay), two silver medals (4 by 400-metre relay and shot put) and one bronze (200 metres). This follows his performance three years ago at nationals when he claimed three medals, one of each colour.
Amy Mcleod, 23, qualified for her first national championship in track and field and also did extremely well, capturing two gold medals in the 200-metres and as part of Ontario's 4 by 400-metre relay team. She also captured a bronze medal in long jump.
Eric Gervais, 18, rounded out the strong local performance claiming a silver medal as part of Ontario's 4 by 100-metre relay team and bronze as part of the 4 by 400-metre relay team.
Normand, who has worked part-time at Home Depot for the past two years, said participating in the Special Olympics is a big part of his life.
"I've liked sports since I was a young kid and always did track and field all through school," he said. "I've competed in the Special Olympics the past 10 years or so and I'd have so say most of my best friends are the people I train and compete with."
Although his favourite event is the 100-metre dash, where he didn't do very well at nationals, Normand says winning the medals is something he's very proud of.
"Oh yes, I'm very proud because I worked very hard for this," he said.
When he's not competing in track and field, Normand stays busy working out at the YMCA three times a week. He also competes in floor hockey, swimming, bowling, snowshoeing and soccer.
He's also a member of the Track North track and field club.
"Dick Moss is the head coach at Track North and he's a good coach and very good guy and he's helped me a lot," he said.
Normand's dream is to qualify for the Special Olympics world championships next summer in Shanghai, China.
Like other Canadian Special Olympians, he will have to wait until late fall or early winter to see if he's qualified for the world championships.
"Qualifying for the worlds and being able to compete against the best from countries everywhere would be a dream come true," he said.
He's only 23 and insists if he doesn't make the cut,
he'll train even harder for the next world championships in
2011.
He credits his mother, Judy, and stepfather, Don, for
supporting him and being there to cheer him on. His mother
drove to Brandon to watch him compete last weekend.
"My mom is my biggest fan," Normand said.
Mcleod said, "Being able to go out of town for a week and compete against people from all over Canada was a lot of fun."
She works at the Jarrett Centre in Sudbury.
Her mother Collette Brisson is very proud of her accomplishments and has been a big supporter during her many years in Special Olympics.
Being able to compete at nationals with Normand and Gervais was a thrill, she said.
Gervais' father Jean-Gilles, who volunteered as a first-time track and field coach, said he's proud of his son's efforts as well as those of Normand and Mcleod.
"Having all three qualify for nationals and then come home with medals is a real accomplishment," he said.
He is particularly impressed by Normand who he said has come a long way as an athlete and has a real good chance to qualify for the big event next summer in China, he said.
Many young athletes get into Special Olympics simply to socialize, but their competitive nature often shines through and athletics has brought a lot of maturity and happiness into his son's life over the past few years, he said.
To make the world championships, competitors have to sign an agreement with Special Olympics Canada promising to train, eat properly and attain certain athletic standards.
He believes Normand has a very good chance of being named to Team Canada for the world championships next summer because of his outstanding results, continued improvement and dedication to training.
