As the Estevan Special Olympics gears up for another season, athletes from Estevan and surrounding communities are preparing to dive into a variety of programs that offer both fun and fitness. With a growing roster of about 50 athletes, the organization is setting the stage for an exciting fall and winter, including community-based activities and a chance to shine in the upcoming Provincial Summer Games.
The Active Start program, for children aged two to 12, runs on Friday evenings at 5:30 p.m. "That program focuses on basic skills such as kicking, throwing, and that kind of thing," said Jackie Thul community manager with the Estevan Special Olympics.
The swimming program is for youth aged eight and older, as well as adults, and is held on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
They also run a bowling program on Tuesday evenings. "Because participation numbers are so high for bowling, we hold the youth at 5:30 and then start afterward at 6:30 p.m."
Thul explained that the Special Olympics is an important organization as it promotes fitness among the athletes, as well as opportunities to build lasting friendships and camaraderie.“It’s a very good, positive environment to participate in,” she said.
Bocce, one of the Special Olympics summer sports, gave Donna Sutherland the opportunity to showcase her skills, bringing home a gold medal at the Saskatchewan Summer Games.
“She’s very much inspired. I know she’s trying out some different programs now that she never tried before.”
“Our weekly programs are mostly non-competitive, just kind of community-based programming. There’s no pressure, just out there to play, have fun, and cheer each other on.” Thul added that the 2025 Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games are approaching, and they are putting together small swimming, bocce, and 10-pin bowling teams.
“It’s totally up to the athlete if they go competitive or just stay in the community-based program,” explained Thul. “During the games, the athletes do tend to get competitive. We did our 10-pin bowling qualifiers here last week, and they did absolutely amazing. We had one athlete who got five strikes in one game, and it just blows me away.”
Special Olympics board members will be at City-Wide Registration on August 28. “We’ll do registrations, they’ll have waivers there that need to be signed, collect payments for the programs that have fees, and if you want any information on cost or exact dates, it is on our Facebook page.”
Thul noted that if you are unable to make it to City-Wide Registration, you can email specialoestevan@gmail.com to get set up.
In addition to preparing athletes for the upcoming season, they are also looking for volunteers. “Anyone interested in volunteering can either come to City-Wide and ask some questions that way.” She noted that they are also welcome to email them as well.
On September 14, there will be the Special Olympics versus Emergency Services baseball game at the Pleasantdale Diamonds along with a barbecue. Thul noted that if any emergency services personnel are interested in joining, they are encouraged to reach out.
She added that it would be great to get as many community members out to the game to cheer on the athletes.