A member of the Yukon Special Olympics team is looking back fondly on this week’s Winter Games.
20-year-old Padraig McIntyre has been cross-country skiing since age five, and part of the Special Olympics since age ten. He’s happy with his performance in the Games, picking up a gold in the five-kilometre race and a silver medal in the 7.5-kilometre, while his teammates scored gold, silver, and bronze in their races at the Kamview Nordic Centre.
“I feel like my strategy and technique has been good,” McIntyre notes.
However, he points out the Winter Games are also about the connections they make with other athletes.
“We’re all participating in the races to boost each other, to self-improve in our own rights. And we’re all friends, we all support each other, and wish each other luck and shake hands with each other,” he explains.
While McIntyre says he’s happy to see some familiar faces he’s met at other competitions, he’s also looking forward to returning home. The Games wrap up today with the final Curling draw, and Floor Hockey finals and semi finals, followed by the awards for Curling, Floor Hockey, Bowling, and Snowshoeing.
