By CHAT News Today

INTERVIEWS: Local athletes ready for Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games

Jul 5, 2017 | 4:52 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — These athletes are gifted beyond measure, and Medicine Hat has the chance to see for themselves this weekend.

The Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games are coming to town starting Friday and running until Sunday. More than 1,400 athletes and coaches from around Alberta and the Northwest Territories will descend upon the Gas City to compete for medals in their chosen events.

Among the athletes, two locals have an opportunity to take a gold medal. Christine Sullivan is competing in powerlifting.

Sullivan has travelled all over Canada to compete, and a few years ago, flew out to Greece to compete among some of the best lifters around the world.

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“I’m praying and hoping for a gold medal in Medicine Hat,” says Sullivan, noting it would qualify her for the Canadian Special Olympics next month in Newfoundland.

Chuck McDonald is also competing in this weekend’s events. He’s made it the national stage in 1998 and 2006 for swimming and bowling, respectively.

This year, he’s focusing on 10-pin bowling, with his first games on Friday.

He says playing in front of his home crowd keeps him motivated.

“It’s nice to have it back in Medicine Hat,” said McDonald. “My last one was in Red Deer, and at the bowling alley, I was off my game.”

Sullivan is also excited for hometown support this weekend.

“It feels good when you get people to cheer you on, and win and do things like that,” says Sullivan.

The opening ceremony gets underway Friday at 7 p.m. at the Cypress Centre.

All events at the Special Olympics are free for the public to attend. The full schedule can be found here.