By Lisa Parent

Local coach heading to Berlin for Special Olympic World Games

Jun 5, 2023 | 11:47 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Another four years have passed, marking the upcoming Summer Special Olympic World Games.

The event is being held in Berlin and hosts athletes with intellectual disabilities. Local bowling coach Pat Enns has traveled across the world to support her athletes. Now, her sights are set on Berlin.

Enns passion for coaching stems from wanting all athletes to have the same opportunities and experiences.

“It’s just a really cool way for them to have that same experience. I don’t think you’ve lived until you’ve seen an athletes face when they go to an opening ceremonies at a world level and there’s 20, 30 thousand people there to cheer them on,” says Enns.

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On Friday, the team makes the long journey to Berlin, with a stop in Munich on the way. Giving the athletes an opportunity to enjoy the culture and food.

“Well, I have some German ancestry, so I think it’ll just be neat to see how and what the culture’s like there and to experience. You know, the difference in how people are treated and, and what I hear they’re a very friendly group of people,” Enns says.

Competition begins June 17, and includes singles, doubles, and team events. The team has 8 bowlers, but only one is from Alberta this year.

“COVID and past event being cancelled, the format has changed slightly. I’ve had usually three to four athletes qualify each year for the past four cycles or so,” she explains.

She adds, “so it’s a little harder not having someone and not being able to cheer on my own athlete. But it doesn’t matter which athletes I have, the point of the whole thing is to help the the athletes do well.”

While Enns will be coaching bowlers from across Canada, nut its clear her local students will miss her, after praising Enns for her coaching skills.

Christine Sullivan says, “Pat’s very nice coach. I guess she’s very understanding.”

“She’s really good. She gave me a couple pointers to bowl and stuff,” Chuck McDonald says.

Looking at her national team, Enns says the athletes already possess the skills needed to excel in Berlin. Her goal is mostly to play a supportive role.

“So I know what they’re capable of, I know what they’re able to do. So, you know, meeting that bar and staying at that level is really my goal is to make sure that they have that experience, that they have the ability to compete and that they do the best that they can,” Enns states.

Hatters can get excited about the action headed their way in 2026. Medicine Hat and Panorama Lanes will be hosting the Summer National Games for Special Olympics Canada.

And Enns is hoping some of her local athletes will be competing in it.