With the winter season well underway, the Airdrie Special Olympics have added a new sport for athletes to try, cross-country skiing.
They currently have five athletes learning various skills within the sport. Currently, practices are every Saturday, with no competitions scheduled.
The athletes partaking include (last names are being withheld for confidentiality):
- Alex
- Luke
- Emmi
- Joseph
- Riley
Cory Peterson, Head Coach for the team explained the first lesson kicked off the new year, and with the lack of snow in Airdrie at the time, they went to the mountains.
"I couldn't get the kids to come back. To be honest, the kids enjoyed themselves and had so much fun."
Peterson explained when he talked with one of the athletes a few days after they returned, they couldn't stop talking about how much fun it was.
The team meets each week to train at Nose Creek Park, but they will try to head back to the mountains a few more practices if possible.
"The plan next year is to expand it and go to some races that the Alberta Special Olympics put on."
Peterson stated he is teaching the athletes how to classic or diagonal ski this first season. He stated things will get more complex heading into next year.
"It's a lot about technique building and also learning how to go up hills and going down hills."
Some of the other sports that the Airdrie Special Olympics have underway include swimming, bowling, floor hockey and snowshoeing.
If you are interested in learning more or joining, click HERE.
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