Mount Pearl’s Special Olympics soccer team, which represented Newfoundland and Labrador in national competition last year, has been named the Team of the Year by Special Olympics Canada.
The squad is comprised of 10 talented, hard working and motivated athletes - Andrew Hynes, Bradley Murphy, David Wells, Eddie Hynes, Jason Roche, Mark Peddle, Matthew Kelly, Matthew Martin, Nadia Brenton, and Nick Styles. They are coached by Travis Maher, Amy Skinner and Emily Shea.
Trish Williams, the Executive Director of Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador, said the athletes are all dedicated to their coaches; “listening to them and truly believing and understanding that they are working together to be the best team that they can be.”
The team members were silver medallists at the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games in Vancouver, BC.
“The team exemplified the true spirit of Special Olympics every time they stepped onto the field,” said Williams. “They played extremely hard during game time – but once the whistle blew they complimented their opponent’s good play, helped someone off the field that had fallen, and high fived those involved. Fair play and hard work is always at the forefront for this team.”
Special Olympics has the power to change the lives of both the athletes and the volunteers who support them, Williams added.
Sarah Brown of Gander and Jackie Barrett of Gillams were also recognized by Special Olympics Canada for their achievements.
“We are thrilled to have so many of our athletes’ performances recognised at the National level,” said Williams. “The SONL athletes and volunteer coaches are to be commended on their success.”
The Special Olympics Canada National awards will be presented on November 19 in Toronto.
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador (SONL) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an intellectual disability through active participation in sport. It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 600 athletes of all ages and abilities.
There are 14 community based clubs that offer sport programs. Through sport, Special Olympics offers athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community, Williams said.
