Eight teams from Campbell River to Victoria arrived in Courtenay recently for the regional swim competition for Special Olympics.
Over 130 athletes were registered for the event which began at 10 a.m. and continued non-stop until 5 p.m. Athletes competed with each other in the true spirit of Special Olympics, where the motto is "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
The Comox Valley Special Olympics swim team earned a total of 32 ribbons. Julia Tate swam her best times in every event while Ryan Hamilton and Ben Heppard swam their best times in five out of six events.
As usual, the event received tremendous support from volunteers in the community, with 45 people spending their day timing races, judging stroke and turns, serving food to other volunteers, organizing swimmers in their events and of course, cheering wildly.
"Subway, Superstore and Water Pure and Simple generously donated food and beverages for athletes and volunteers, while the local swim teams, the Sharks and Blue Devils allowed us to use their equipment," an event spokesperson said.
鈥� Comox Valley Special Olympics
