Forty-four Special Olympics New Brunswick athletes returned home with 43 medals and countless personal bests. A pretty impressive feat for the team of ambitious and determined individuals who recently returned home from the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Team New Brunswick competed in eight sports during the national event: golf, bowling, softball, soccer, athletics, powerlifting, swimming and bocce. According to Team NB Chef de Mission and Special Olympics NB Program Director Emma Stone, athletes earned medals in every sport represented at the Games.
“Beyond the medals, we saw so many personal best performances throughout the week,” Stone stated.
While competition is a key part of the Special Olympics experience, Stone said the Games are about much more than podium finishes.
“All athletes train hard and compete at their best,” she said. “Whether or not they won a medal, many achieved personal bests. It’s also about making new friends, gaining independence and being part of a community.”
Stone described an atmosphere of encouragement and sportsmanship throughout the Games, where athletes cheered not only for teammates but also for competitors.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s another team you’re playing against. If they score a great goal, people are still cheering,” she said. “Everybody is in this together.”
That spirit was reflected in the Games’ motto, We Shine Together.
“The energy across all sports was contagious,” Stone said. “Everybody had a smile on their face and was supporting one another.”
Special Olympics New Brunswick continues to see strong participation from athletes across the province. Stone said the organization offers opportunities not only for those interested in high-level competition, but also for individuals who simply want to stay active and be part of a supportive community.
“It’s not just about national games,” she said. “We have community programs across New Brunswick for athletes who want to participate, be active and be involved. Moving on to national competition is great, but it’s certainly not required.”
The organization welcomes athletes of a wide range of ages. While participants are generally at least 14 years old, there is no upper age limit. Team NB included athletes in their 60s at the Summer Games, while one competitor celebrated their 50th birthday during the event.
Looking ahead, Stone said the next national-level competition for New Brunswick athletes will be the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Kelowna, B.C.
She also encouraged anyone interested in becoming involved as an athlete or volunteer to contact Special Olympics New Brunswick, where staff can connect them with regional coordinators and local programs.
Stone finished by recognizing the coaches, mission staff and volunteers who helped make the team’s success possible.
“We could not do this without them,” she said. “These are people taking time away from their own lives, often using vacation time, because they love what they do. Their commitment is incredible, and we’re very grateful for everything they give to our athletes.”
