A big shout out to Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (HCCSS) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs floor hockey teams, who fought hard to share the bronze medal in the unified division of Floor Hockey at the Special Olympics Ontario School Championship hosted in Kingston on June 6th and 7th.
This School Championship hosted nine hundred students, from 73 schools across Ontario who were participating in Bocce ball, soccer, basketball, track and field and floor hockey. The athletes began divisioning competition on Tuesday at the Cataraqui Arena followed by an exciting Opening Ceremonies that evening at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC), Queen’s University. Holy Cross students Gavin Fisher said the Athlete’s Oath while Kassy McGinn carried the Special Olympics flag in the procession.
On Wednesday, there was a full day of round robin play with an afternoon playoff schedule where Holy Cross earned a hard-fought bronze medal. The games officially closed that night with the closing ceremonies and an 80’s themed dance.
HCSS Floor Hockey coaches and site organizers, Julie Brown and Kelly Dixon expressed how meaningful it is for students with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to wear the Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School jersey and represent the school in competition at the provincial level. “Participating in the unified division allows all athletes to experience true integration as the one thing that is truly universal is sport. It breaks down barriers and provides unified athletes with valuable experiences that will change the way they approach sport and competition. We are extremely proud of all of our athletes.”
Thank you Constable Bryan McMillan, the Special Olympics staff and volunteers for the support. A special thank you to Holy Cross Phys. Ed. Leadership students who assisted in the organization and hosting of the Floor Hockey site. Their commitment and positive energy provided a welcoming environment for all teams which allowed us to celebrate inclusivity and the power of sport.
About Special Olympics For over 50 years, Special Olympics has grown from a modest program serving local athletes to become the world's largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sport. To learn more about Special Olympics Ontario please visit:
specialolympicsontario.com
