Christine Sullivan was named to the inaugural five pin bowling team will compete at the upcoming provincial winter games (Photo Courtesy Meghan Cobb/CHATNewsToday)

By Gates Guarin

Medicine Hat hosting nationals in 2026

Special Olympics athletes and volunteers recognized

Jun 12, 2022 | 10:24 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Special Olympics athletes and volunteers were all finally able to gather together as one team to hand out medals and achievements after more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leadership committee behind the Medicine Hat team organized a summer barbecue to celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes and to recognize some volunteers who have been with the organization for a number of years.

Medals for programs such as basketball, swimming and bocce ball were handed out to those who participated.

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Kristen Sept, chair of the Special Olympics committee in Medicine Hat says the organization was excited to be able to hold this event.

“It is amazing to be able to finally give out these awards,” Sept says. “It has been a very difficult couple of years with COVID. We literally came back from national games in Thunder Bay, and two weeks later, programs were shut down.”

Sept says the pandemic was especially hard on the athletes.

“We’ve always had a little bit tighter restrictions than what the general public has, just because we are dealing with a higher risk population. So this is the first year that we’re able to finally open things up.” says Sept.

The leadership committee also made a surprise announcement, naming the inaugural five-pin bowling team which will compete during the provincial winter games next year in Strathcona County.

Christine Sullivan is one of the athletes named to the team, and she is ready to compete.

“I’m happy because it’s going to be my first winter games,” Sullivan says. “It’s going to be exciting.”

Sullivan, who was also recognized for her role in the basketball program, says she is glad to be representing Medicine Hat at the games.

“I’m really proud of myself, because I have a sister and a brother in Medicine Hat, so I’m just hoping- I’m proud to do this for [my] home, Special Olympics and all Medicine Hat.” says Sullivan.

Sullivan was also quick to recognize the work of the volunteers with the organization. A few were recognized at the barbecue, including two volunteers who were with the organization for 25 years.

Jaelynn Funk has been volunteering with the Special Olympics since 2015. She says the athletes are what keeps her coming back year after year.

“The best part about special Olympics is the athletes and being able to connect with the athletes, and for two years, not being able to have that connection, we did do online zoom stuff and things, but it was hard not being able to have my bucket filled and getting the joy that you get from the athletes.” Funk says.

With such heavy reliance on the volunteer network, Funk says anyone with any sort of interest in volunteering their time or expertise are encouraged to sign up.

“We’re always looking for people if you want to get involved, and it’s a great organization with such great people. Like honestly, you’ll come and you’ll want to be here for 25 years.”

The spring program is already underway with softball and golf making their debuts, and athletes can look forward to Medicine Hat hosting the national summer games in 2026.