Airdrie Special Olympics wrapped up another inspiring year of competition and teamwork with the organization's year-end awards ceremony on Aug. 20.
The award ceremony handed out the hardware for local athletic achievement to Special Olympians who took part in both winter and summer sports in the 2022-23 year.
“It was a fun-tastic year,” said Sue Farkas-Fllatre, the media relations coordinator for Special Olympics Airdrie. “It was a comeback year back into full-on sports. Nothing got cancelled because COVID or health restrictions. Weather did play a part here and there, and there was a lot of excitement. We were able to send some athletes to the (Alberta) Summer Games for swimming, and for the Winter Games we had a few of our athletes (participate) in snowshoeing and bowling.”
While all the award recipients were laudable, Farkas-Fillatre said this year’s winner of the Airdrie Special Olympics Dana Moore Heart Award was golfer and swimmer Rylee.
“That award is really special just because it is in memory of one of our swimming coaches, Dana Moore,” explained Farkas-Fillatre. “It’s presented to one overall athlete who constantly strives to do their personal best to achieve their athletic goals, demonstrate improvement in athletic skill. (They also) demonstrate improvement in personal growth and development, and show the true spirit of Special Olympics.”
Farkas-Fillatre added the Heart Award is not only chosen by local Special Olympics coaches, but also by the Airdrie Special Olympics executive committee each year to one deserving local athlete.
This year’s Special Olympics award winners are:
For Bowling:
Sandy Foreman-coach (head)
Brenda- Sportsmanship
Mason- Most Improved
For Bocce:
Sandy Foreman -coach (head)
Carole-Sportsmanship
Amelia- Most Improved
For Swimming:
Tammy Hnatiuk-coach(head)
Emma- Sportsmanship
Leesa- Most Improved
For Floor Hockey:
Kyle Fillatre-coach (head)
Kolt- Sportsmanship
Jackson- Most Improved
For Golf
Derrick Keller-coach (head)
Nolan -Sportsmanship
Danann- Most Improved
For Snowshoeing
Lyndon Chubbs-coach( head)
Lyall- Sportsmanship
For Softball - Novice
Owen Eikenberry-coach( head)
Pamela- Sportsmanship
Amanda- Most Improved
For Softball - Intermediate
Owen Eikenberry- coach
Simeon- Sportsmanship
Jade- Most Improved
