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Special Olympics Winter Games kicks off with Celebrity Snowshoe Race, presented by Black Diamond Group

February 26, 2024

Just like a snowshoe leaving prints in the snow, building an inclusive environment that actively celebrates individual differences leaves an indelible mark on our community. So, there was no better way to kick off the Special Olympics Winter Games Calgary 2024 than by bringing together Calgarians and local celebrities for a friendly snowshoe race, presented by Black Diamond Group.

Co-Chairs for the Games Cheryl Bernard and François Poirier were accompanied by former Olympians Catriona Le May Doan (Speed Skating) Kyle Shewfelt (Gymnastics), Stephanie Labbe (Soccer), Sam Edney (Luge), Georgia Simmerling (cycling) who made up a few of the racers in the 4x100 meter relay challenge at the Maple Ridge Golf Course on Monday afternoon. The event was one of camaraderie and spirited competition, and ultimately, it was the team led by Athlete Ambassador Leonka Kaluha and Le May Doan that were victorious.

Black Diamond Group, sponsor of this friendly competition, was onsite serving hot chocolate to spectators. Black Diamond understands the importance of investing in the community and are big believers in the power of sport in bringing people together.

“For many years, Black Diamond Group has been a proud supporter and active participant in initiatives that impact the communities where we live and work, with sport often taking centre stage. As an Impact Partner at this year's Winter Games, we will be giving back to an incredible organization that creates opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate and showcase their talents,” said Trevor Haynes, Chairman & CEO. “We have long said that sport is a force for good, and the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 is the true embodiment of this belief – we are honoured to be an active supporter of the Games!” – Trevor Haynes, Chairman, President & CEO of Black Diamond Group

The Opening Ceremony for the Games takes place tomorrow at the Nutrien Western Event Centre at Stampede Park, followed by four days of competition in eight sporting disciplines. Athletes from across Canada’s twelve provincial and territory chapters will compete, and in some cases, be named to Special Olympics Team Canada.

The Opening Ceremony, starting at 6:30 p.m. MST will be available for viewing live on the Special Olympic Canada’s YouTube Channel

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Land Acknowledgement

The Bow and Elbow rivers meet is a place of confluence where the sharing of ideas and opportunities naturally come together. February 2024, Calgary will be gathering place for more than 1,200 Special Olympics athletes from across Canada in their pursuit of sport excellence and connection. Indigenous peoples have their own names for this area that have been in use long before Scottish settlers named this place Calgary. The Métis call the Calgary area Otos-kwunee [“oh-tus-skwahnee”]. In the Blackfoot language, they call this place, Moh-kins-tsis [“mohk-kin-stis”]. The Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation refer to the Calgary area as Wîchîspa Oyade [“win chee spa oy ah day”] and the people of the Tsuut’ina [“sut sinah”] nation call this area Guts-ists-i [“Goot-sits-say”]. We would like to acknowledge that the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 will be located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. This includes: the Siksika [“sit-sicka”], Piikani [“peegun-ee”], and Kainai [“gay-nah”] collectively known as the Blackfoot Confederacy; the Îethka [“yitch ka”] Nakoda Wîcastabi [“wee che stahbi”] First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Good Stoney Bands; and the Tsuut’ina [“sut sinah”] First Nation. The city of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. We acknowledge all Indigenous urban Calgarians, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, who have made Calgary their home. We work, play and reside on this sacred gathering place and the Games will provides us with an opportunity to engage in and demonstrate leadership on reconciliation.