Greetings and salutations;
This program year begins with a number of changes. Nova Scotia Special Olympics changed its name to Special Olympics Nova Scotia, and Dartmouth did likewise, becoming Special Olympics Dartmouth. This was enacted in keeping with Special Olympics Canada.
Dartmouth underwent a change of leadership in September. The former Regional Coordinator, David Ryder, felt that it was time for his First Mate to become the Skipper and resigned. Will Vickery became the Regional Coordinator and now has the helm. He served as the Vice-Regional Coordinator for the past year under Dave's astute guidance and is knowledgeable on what is required. We wish him all the best.
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome new athletes and new volunteers. I understand that Special Olympics Dartmouth has generated a lot of interest and that support is very much appreciated.
I'd like to thank all those who financially sponsored Special Olympics Dartmouth as corporations, personal donations, and those who contributed loose change at the road tolls. Your support and kindness is very much appreciated.
Debbie Beaton, our longest serving volunteer, has resigned as the Floor Hockey Head Coach. Many thanks for a job well done as the A Team took Silver in February at the Provincial Games. Toney Thomas has applied in her place and we wish him all the best.
Michele Brushett travelled to Dublin, Ireland in June to compete in the 2003 World Summer Games. She won a Bronze medal in the 400M relay, and Gold medals in the 800M and 1500M run events. Rumour has it that she slimmed down two dress sizes due to her training workload. Well done Michele.
Acadia University, located in Wolfville, hosted the Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games in July. Dartmouth sent three teams to compete: Athletics, Soccer, and Aquatics. Ms. Brushett repeated herself by winning a Gold medal in the 1500 metre run. Our Soccer Program team, won a hard fought Gold medal in their endeavours. Well done Coaches and Volunteers.
There are presently three programs underway with more expected to begin in November: Floor Hockey, Aquatics, and Bowling. Waiting in the wings are the Youth Program, Curling, and Athletics.
Floor Hockey began on Sep 25, at the Hugh Bell Service Centre. There are three divisions which make up the playing roster: B & C are fun teams who play against each other. The A Team is competitive, and the Coach is the smallest person on the floor. The divisions are decided by playing ability. The game is a modified form of Ringette.
Aquatics began on Sep 30 at the Hugh Bell Service Centre. The Team name is the Dartmouth Dolphins. It is both a fun and competitive program. All those who are over 9 years and can swim are welcome to join. Swimmers will compete in Free Style, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle Relay.
Bowling began on Oct 18/19. It's divided into two competitions: Five Pin located at Shearwater Fitness & Sports; and Candlepin located at Woodside Bowlarama. The latter is known as Bowling Buddies and is both a competitive and fun program. All ages from 5 years and above are welcome to join. It's classified into four divisions and further divided by gender. Standard game play for Five Pin is 3 games at 10 frames each; Candlepin is 2 games at 10 frames each.
The Youth Program begins on Nov 5. This is a pilot project sponsored by Special Olympics Nova Scotia for those between the ages of 5 and 13, inclusive. More information will be promulgated as more is made known.
Curling will begin on Nov 8. This began last year as a pilot project and was well received. Curling is considered a demonstration sport by Special Olympics Canada. Due to scheduling conflicts, this year's schedule is intermittent which can be found on the Planned/Current Programs pages.
Athletics will begin on Nov 14. The minimum age for this program is 10 years. The training during the Winter months is indoors located at Shearwater Fitness & Sports. In Spring, the training is moved outdoors to Beazley Field, CFB Shearwater.
Last year, we had 85 athletes registered for 8 programs, and 39 volunteers to coach and assist. This year may see more growth in numbers as new people apply and more parents become aware of what Special Olympics has available. Some athletes found themselves quite busy as some were registered for as many as six programs over the year.
John Fraser
