Special Olympians Prepare for Games

By Kelly Sharp

BC Special Olympics Cross Country Ski Team at Otway Ski Trails

The Otway ski trails await the Special Olympians. Training 3 times a week on the set trails is preparing the Prince George cross country skiers for this month’s Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kelowna. Diana Bramble laughs with her teammates as they begin another training session. Her smile widens when asked what the games mean to her.

“I like the competition and meeting friends,” replied Diana, who has been a Special Olympian for over a decade.

Amos Kamm will be competing in his second SOBC Winter Games.

“Its fun, I like the adrenaline rush, going fast,” said Amos.

The Special Olympics program in Prince George celebrated 20 years this past fall. Ralph Bramble, who has been coaching Special Olympians for over 15 years, says the BC Winter or Summer Special Olympics experience is so valuable for the athlete.

“A big part of it is enjoying the games with other people,” noted the long-time coach.

Coaching the Special Olympian has been a joy for Ralph Bramble.

“The athletes are so easy to coach, they listen to you and are happy,” Ralph said.

“It’s so rewarding.”

Cross country skiers will be joined by Prince George Special Olympians in snowshoeing and curling at the Special Olympics BC Winter Games, beginning February 15^th in Kelowna.

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