The Portage Stampeders Special Olympics team delivered an unforgettable performance, capturing medals and embodying spirit at the 2025 Provincial Summer Games for Special Olympics Manitoba this past weekend.
Head Coach Deanna Talbot beams with pride as her athletes return home triumphant, each having earned at least one medal from the provincial competition.
"It was an awesome weekend," Talbot declares. "It exceeded my expectations of how our athletes would compete and how much fun they had. They all had a smile on their face all weekend. They made new friends. They tried really hard. They competed well and every single athlete came home with at least one medal."
The team's success spanned track and field events, showcasing their dedication and talent.
Medal haul highlights team talent
The Stampeders' medal count was impressive. Standout performances included Katie Niles achieving a perfect sweep with gold in the 100m, 200m, and long jump.
Sara Holmes secured silver in the 100m, gold in the long jump, and bronze in shot put.
Paula Jordan earned gold in shot put and silver in long jump, while Stephanie Holmes captured silver in both the long jump and 200m.
Dylan Wilson sprinted to bronze in the 100m, and Caleb Reykdal dominated with gold in both the 100m and javelin, adding a shot put silver.
A moment defining the spirit
Beyond the podium finishes, one moment crystallized the essence of Special Olympics for Coach Talbot and everyone present.
"There was an extremely special moment over the weekend," she shares, "It really signifies what Special Olympics is all about. So Caleb Reykdal and Dylan Wilson were in a 50m race running together against another competitor, and halfway through the race, Caleb slowed down and took Dylan's hand and ran with him to cross the finish line together. It was just an unbelievable moment. Everyone in the crowd was cheering for them, and some people had tears in their eyes. It truly is what this sport is all about."
Talbot extended heartfelt gratitude to the community that fueled the team's journey, saying, "We just want to say on behalf of our Portage Stampeders team, thank you for all the community support. The athletes really felt it near and far. Thank you to the sponsors that helped us to compete in the event, it's not possible without that and all of the family support that they received as well."
She invites everyone to witness this powerful spirit firsthand, adding that, "If anyone loses sight of what sport is about, I highly recommend they attend a Special Olympics event because they will quickly realize the joy that this sport can bring to people of all abilities."
The Portage Stampeders, adorned with medals and unforgettable memories, exemplify that joy.
See video of the heartwarming moment below: