By Corey Fischer

Greater Vernon To Host Games

Jan 16, 2018 | 11:12 AM

Justin Siegel of Vernon will be one of the 800 participants at the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon, competing in alpine and cross country skiing.

Greater Vernon will be the site for the BC Special Olympics Winter Games next year.

Dan Howe, the president and CEO of Special Olympics BC, made the announcement at the Vernon Recreation Centre, saying the event will be held Feb 21 to 23, 2019.

“More than 800 athletes will compete, supported by more than 250 volunteer coaches and mission staff, hailing from all over the province and the Yukon. This will be Special Olympics BC’s largest winter games to date because for the first time, five pin bowling will be part of these Winter Games, moving out of our summer cycle and into winter,” says Howe.

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The other sports will include alpine and cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, speedskating and snowshoeing.

About one thousand volunteers will be needed.

Vernon resident Justin Siegel will be participating in alpine and cross country skiing.

The 28 year old won silver and bronze medals in cross country skiing at the Special Olympic World Winter Games in Austria last year.

Siegel says he’s excited to have the event in his home town.

“For me, Special Olympics means inclusiveness, teamwork, friendship, travel opportunities, being committed, dedicated, and having fun,” Siegel told the crowd on hand.

by Corey Fischer