Welcome
Celebrating Team Canada's Remarkable Triumph at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin!
Thank you to Special Olympics Team Canada for being our guests and friends in Germany!, © SOC
In a spectacular display of unwavering determination and exceptional skills, Team Canada has emerged triumphant at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, leaving a trail of inspiration and pride in their wake. These extraordinary athletes have brought home an astounding total of 46 gold, 20 silver, and 30 bronze medals, solidifying Canada's position as a force to be reckoned with in the global sporting arena.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the incredible athletes who have poured their hearts and souls into their respective disciplines, showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship and exuding a contagious joie de vivre!
Join us in celebrating their outstanding achievements:
🥇 Malachy Stewart, Kyle Litfin, Steven Saman, William Shepherd, and Team Canada's basketball team won the gold medal.
🥇🥈 🏅🏅Aaron Higgins won an incredible four medals in powerlifting. 💪
🥇🥇🥇🥈 David Nicholson secured an exceptional three gold and one silver medal in powerlifting. 💪
🥇🥈 Ryan Kealey displayed remarkable strength, earning gold and silver in powerlifting. 💪
🥇 Ian Cushon and Marc Richardson won the gold medal in men's bowling doubles.
🥇 Taylor Carter claimed the gold medal in men's golf.
🥇🥉 Kelsey Wyse secured gold and bronze medals in swimming.
🥉 Rachel Peers earned a bronze medal in 10-Pin Bowling.
🥈 Wayne Gowanlock and Kyle Vogelgesang claimed silver in bocce.
🥉 Jesse Thibeault achieved bronze in relay.
🥇🥉 Jolyn Watts achieved both gold and bronze medal victories in relay.
🥈 Tyrine Flukinger, Taralyn Kalelest, Bonnie-Jean Shade, Michaela Wasyliw, McKenzie Millar, and the Team Canada Basketball team secured silver in basketball.
🥈 Erin Thom and Allie Price showcased their golf skills and secured silver in golf.
🥇🥈🥉 Jodi Klukas dazzled in rhythmic gymnastics, taking home gold, silver, and bronze medals.
🥉 Amanda Manzardo, Amy Nelson, Eileen Mooney, Jenny Murray, Amy Nelson, and Terra Dagenais proudly earned a bronze medal in soccer.
🥈 David Whittington earned a well-deserved silver medal in bowling.
🥇🥈 Abby Wilson made a splash in swimming, earning gold and silver.
🥉 Jennifer Riddell earned a bronze medal in athletics.
🏅 Tijana McCarthy from the Yukon earned fifth place in Golf - Level 4 individual stroke play.
It has been an honor for us to serve as the hosts of the Special Olympics World Games 2023 and to welcome all of you in Germany! We sincerely hope that you have taken home wonderful and lasting memories from these Games!
The Canadian Special Olympic Team on their way to Berlin - stopover in Munich.
Stopover in Munich: in the Olympic Park in Munich
In front of the Allianz Arena in Munich, the home of the renowned soccer club FC Bayern Munich. Thanks guys! 😄💖
© SOC
#SOTeamCanada23 walked into the opening ceremony alongside 7,000 athletes from 190 countries to kick off the world’s largest inclusive sports event - the Special Olympics World Games.
© SOC
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
– Special Olympic Athlete Oath
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
“It means everything to me.”
Blair Bastien, Basketball
What do you like most about the sport you will be competing in at Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023?
“The love that we have for each other. Its not about winning a medal, its important to win in life too and to believe in yourself each and everyday.”
Phil Brown, Powerlifting
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
“I am so proud to be part of Team Canada. It makes me work harder to be the best I can be.”
Rebecca Birss, Rhythmic Gymnastics
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
“It means that I am part of a successful team that has a name for itself in Canada. It means being able to meet and compete against other athletes. I am so proud to represent Canada!”
Michael Budden, Athletics
How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?
“I can’t even find the words to express how much Special Olympics has positively affected my life.”
Louis Charrette, Athletics
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
“I feel like I belong to an important community that has given me opportunities that I would not have gotten otherwise. I am proud to represent my country on the world stage. It is important to showcase our ability as a special needs community and show that we can!”
Curtis Cook, Athletics
Canadian Bocce Team
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
“Being given this opportunity means a lot to me. This is my biggest accomplishment and a once in a lifetime experience.”
Kyle Vogelgesang, Bocce
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?
“When I helped one of my teammates who had never got a basket. She got her first basket, and it was the wining point. Her smile was glorious. She lit up the whole gym.”
Tyrine Flukinger, Basketball
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?
“One of my proudest moments is winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics Alberta Games and going to compete at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. But my proudest moment is being named to the Special Olympics Team Canada Training Squad 2023 for competition at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Germany.”
Allie Price, Golf
How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?
“I have loved meeting new friends and love always learning and improving my skills at the different sports. Special Olympics is the highlight of my life. It has helped boost my confidence, created a social outlet and improved my health in every way.”
David Nicholson, Powerlifting
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
“It means that I work hard. It means that I wake up with a goal and a purpose each day. It means that I can do anything if I don't give up.”
What is your goal for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023?
“My goal is to test my skills in the pinnacle of achievement. The experience of being there means more to me than winning medals.”
Caleb Lake, Swimming
“Special Olympics Alberta's own Eileen Mooney scored the game-winning goal during the bronze medal match against Team Bharat and brought home the win for Team Canada during the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
”Being able to win with this team is the most special part. We’re a sisterhood, and all of us with our coaches are family,“ she said. ”It’s a dream come true.“
How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?
”Being in Special Olympics has given me a family. Being surrounded by people who understand me is wonderful.“
Franck Koffi, Basketball
Congratulations to Team Canada who brought home 46 gold, 20 silver, and 30 bronze medals from Berlin!!
Picture: Closing Ceremony at Brandenburg Gate
© SOC