Record number of athletes for Special Olympics in Corner Brook

The largest Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games to date is now underway in Corner Brook, with 140 athletes gathered for two days of competition in four different sports.

There are also 100 coaches, mission staff and volunteers on hand to support the athletes, said Trish Williams, executive director for Special Olympics in this province.

Opening ceremonies took place Friday night.

This year's event is drawing some added attention, because it is somewhat of a trial run as Corner Brook prepares to host the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in February 2016.

"It's a lot of time and effort required to do this, hundreds of volunteers involved here in Corner Brook but we've been very lucky this time because the games organizing committee for 2016 is organizing this games as well," said Williams.

Two days of competition

Competitions continue Saturday and Sunday in snowshoeing, floor hockey, cross-country skiing and, for the first time, curling.

Philip Beales, a member of the Corner Brook Vikings, is a snowshoeing competitor who is pumped about the competition.

"I feel good. I am really excited for it," said Beales.

In all, 13 teams are competing, including the Conception Bay South Brightstars.

"We have seven very excited athletes," said coach Susan Mosher.

"They've worked hard. I think they've really surprised themselves in their abilities, and are super excited to show off all their hard work, and of course take part in the festivities that go along with the competition."

These games are a qualifying competition for the national competition in 2016.