Five students from Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School (AMSS) in Sarnia will represent the community at an upcoming provincial championship.
The Special Olympics School Championship will be held at Queen's University in Kingston on June 6 and June 7. About 29 teams will compete in the basketball partition of the championship.
Teacher and Head Coach Sarah Hotke said two teams (made up of five players) from AMSS competed in the regional basketball tournament at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in January. One of the teams won the qualifier and secured a spot to compete in the championship.
"The students have been very excited. We practice once or twice a week during school hours," said Hotke. "Not all of them have even been to Kingston so just to travel that far away from home -- and because it's so far, we actually have to go for three nights not two, so there's a bit of apprehension about being away for that long. However, I think the excitement overrules it."
The Sarnia students going to Kingston include Andrew Brimmer, Connor Matheson, Charlie Tower, Emma Wilson, and Kian O'Keefe.
Hotke said the students' excitement increased once sponsors got involved and provided them with new practice shirts (which they will get to keep) and jerseys that will stay with the school.
Sponsors and community partners include Mainstreet Credit Union Sarnia, Blue Coast Realty, and J&J Wilson. A few representatives attended the school on Tuesday to meet the student athletes.
"These kids look like they are so excited and it's well-deserved to get into the championship. We just wish them the best," said Mainstreet Credit Union (Sarnia region) Community Manager Mary Fitchett.
"It's an amazing cause. They're going to get to do some really neat stuff that they haven't done in a long time and we're happy to support them on their trip to Kingston," said Blue Coast Realty representative Hilary Ryan.
With the exception of a small fee paid by each athlete, other expenses to attend the championship (such as food and travel for example) are covered by Special Olympics Ontario.
Hotke said many within the school community have also offered support throughout the season in terms of advice or a lending hand.
"The teacher for the Alternative Learning and Life Skills Program (ALLP) program [Mark MacDonald] has been an awesome support to keep the students comfortable and at ease because he works with them every day," Hotke said. "So we have two adults for five of the students which makes it really easy to make sure we get their needs met."
Hotke also referenced the student support players have received. She said being on the team has boosted their self-confidence.
The Special Olympics Ontario Secondary School program is open to student athletes aged 13 to 21 and offers five sports: basketball, soccer, bocce, floor hockey, and virtual track and field.
Hotke said they hope to build the program by hosting a qualifier and becoming eligible in more areas.
“I’m very proud of these student athletes and how hard they have worked to get here," said Hoke. "Their confidence is a result of the specialized programming they receive at AMSS that capitalizes on and strengthens their individual skill set.”
Special Olympics Sarnia Community Coordinator Tana Manchester said the program at AMSS is separate from the community programs the organization runs.
"We want to support and encourage more opportunities like this in our local schools," said Manchester in an email.
