London police welcome more than 1,000 Special Olympians for provincial championship

More than 1,000 Special Olympians gathered at Western University for the kickoff to a provincial championship. CTV’s Brent Lale reports.

With pomp and circumstance, Special Olympians from around the province entered the opening ceremonies at Western University.

Hosted by the London Police Service (LPS), more than 1,000 high school aged athletes were competing in multiple sports.

“I can honestly say there is something very, very special about the energy these games bring to community,” Chief Thai Truong of the LPS told the crowd during the ceremony

“When you watch these athletes compete, you are reminded of what truly, truly matters. You see courage, you see determination, you see joy. You see people lifting each other up and celebrating one another and in a world that can sometimes feel divided or heavy, that is something incredibly powerful,” he said.

Athletes were competing in floorball, bocce, track and field, soccer, and basketball.

“These games bring together youth with and without intellectual disabilities, competing on the same team and unified sports,” said Cody Jansma, Special Olympics Ontario CEO.

“They show us that schools, community, and society can be when everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included. To our athletes, these games are about you. It’s about your hard work, your commitment, your courage, every practice, every challenge that you overcame just by being here today in London, through the 100 plus qualifiers we hosted across the province, shows that your determination was worth it,” said Jansma.

They enjoyed a small concert with dancing and cheering and the joy was evident.

Special Olympics athlete Val Nyhout and her father Dave (Special Olympics coach) addressed the crowd.

“These next few days are about having fun, trying your best, cheering each other on and making memories,” said Val.

The most special moment came when the Special Olympics Torch Run team arrived on campus with the torch.

Chief Truong and Colton (a Beal SS Special Olympian) helped carry the torch to the stage, and light the cauldron to officially kick off the games.