Special Olympics bocce qualifier set to take place in Cold Lake
COLD LAKE – City of Cold Lake council received a request from Special Olympics Lakeland Chair Audrey McFarlane asking for $2,000 from the City to help fund an upcoming event - the Northern Alberta Qualifier for bocce.
The tournament, scheduled for July 13, is anticipated to bring about 70 athletes from across the region to Cold Lake, offering them the chance to compete for a spot at the provincial games in 2025.
“Cold Lake has never hosted a regional or provincial Special Olympics event before,” McFarlane noted, underlining the importance of the event for the local community.
At the April 23 regular council meeting, McFarlane explained the history and impact of Special Olympics Lakeland, stating it has been in existence since 1984, serving the communities of Cold Lake, Bonnyville, and the MD of Bonnyville.
“We've done swimming, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, baseball, track and field, bowling, and many different sports nights,” she shared. Currently, the group focuses on bowling and bocce, while experimenting with other sports through clinics.
The group has about 40 athletes ranging in age from 12 to 70, with no paid employees, instead relying entirely on volunteers.
The organization “builds physical health, develops friendships, supports good social skills, promotes lots of self-confidence and self-esteem, and provides new experiences, a sense of belonging in the community, and it certainly teaches all of us about sportsmanship and belonging," she explained.
Special Olympic athlete Colin Booker echoed these sentiments, saying, “I think it's important to have Special Olympics to have a chance to meet with other people, make friendships, and accept everyone.”
McFarlane described the tournament as a one-day event featuring competition, a banquet, and a dance.
“We're anticipating about 17 to 20 teams of four people per team,” she stated, adding that the event will draw not only athletes but also coaches, families, and volunteers. The competition will be held on the football field, with additional practice areas at Lions Park and the Energy Centre.
Funding for the event is a critical component. McFarlane explained that the total budget is about $10,000, with the City of Cold Lake, the Town of Bonnyville, and the MD of Bonnyville being approached for $2,000 each.
“Corporate donations will cover the rest of it,” she said, noting that if there is any shortfall, Special Needs Lifeline will step in to cover it. The funding will support the costs of transportation, event facilities, and other logistical needs.
Council expressed gratitude to McFarlane and Booker for their presentation and said they would reach a decision at a future council meeting.
Chantel Downes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeland This Week
