James Jones, a 24-year-old athlete, was awarded Special Olympics Airdrie’s Athlete of the Month during a game of bocce ball at Nose Creek Regional Park on July 18, where he accepted a certificate to mark his accomplishment.
Following receipt of the award, Jones said he was very happy to hear he had been chosen as the team’s Athlete of the Month for July and expressed his desire to help others in a team environment.
“My favourite part [of being on the team] is helping others by picking up the ball [after] a game,” he said, with his father at his side.
In his spare time, Jones enjoys fishing and chicken farming, but added he also participates in Special Olympics Airdrie’s bowling team. He has been a part of the team for several years, and said he encourages others to try it out.
According to Special Olympics Airdrie coach and executive committee member, Sandy Foreman, the Athlete of the Month program provides ample opportunity to showcase the team’s star athletes.
“[It] provides a way to showcase one of our athletes and bring attention to Special Olympics to the community so they know there are programs available for people [with] special needs,” she said.
Media relations coordinator for Special Olympics Airdrie, Sue Farkes-Fillatres said the program recognizes the effort the athlete’s put into the sport, from showing up, getting involved, to learning new skills and new sports.
“As well as encouraging one another - it's heartwarming to hear how encouraging they are to each other,” Farkes-Fillatres said.
She added Special Olympics is increasingly important to its members following a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a big part of our athletes' lives, so the fact they’re able to come together again is absolutely fantastic,” she said.
