Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom.

By Angela Kazmierczak

Local 5-pin bowler to compete in Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Apr 25, 2023 | 5:51 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Special Olympics Canada Winter Games recently announced that Calgary would host the games for 2024.

Medicine Hat’s very own 5-pin bowler and eight-time Special Olympics player, Sinjin Soper, will be competing.

Sinjin first got interested in 5-pin bowling after his teacher presented him with an opportunity to try it.

“I found out about it when I was in school, and I was like oh it would be interesting to go try out and see how it is,” said Sinjin.

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Upon trying the sport, Sinjin knew it was for him.

“It’s fun. I actually got nominated for Team Alberta, and I’m going to training camp at the end of May,” said Sinjin.

Training takes place next year in May in Edmonton, and to prepare, Sinjin and his six teammates will do warm-ups, stretches, dieting and attend extra practices within the week.

Dwayne Soper, Sinjin’s father, says his son’s involvement with the Special Olympics has led to much growth.

“We’ve seen his character grow to point where he’s become a leader, so to speak, where many of the athletes when they go on tournaments, he’s always the one bunked with some of the one’s with a little more challenge, and he makes sure they have a fun time and looks out for their needs,” said Dwayne.

Sinjin looks forward to competing in the Special Olympics and the new friendships he will forge.

For him, the game isn’t about winning or losing.

“Just to have fun and make new friends and all that.”