FOR THE first time in nearly eight years, the regional qualifier for BC Special Olympics curling will be held here in Terrace.
Teams from Prince George, Quesnel, Burns Lake, Kitimat and Terrace will compete at the Terrace Curling Club this Saturday, March 1.
They’ll then have an evening dance and social at Veritas Catholic School to celebrate the tournament.
The results will be sent to BC Special Olympics executive headquarters down south and depending on how many spots are relegated open for provincials (which will take place next year), the teams will find out who qualified later this year after some of the other provincial meets are completed.
Terrace is entering one team and they’ve been practising at the curling club every week with the help of their three coaches.
“My team’s very excited,” said coach Chris Dale, who has been volunteering with the local Special Olympics club for more than 10 years.
Terrace’s Special Olympians are quite active – in the winter months aside from curling, they also practise basketball and go bowling.
And the local program is always looking for volunteers to coach.
“They usually have a pretty good time, whatever sport it is,” said Dale. “It’s partly just exercise and sport, but a lot of it is just socializing too, being together.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact Jo Buck at 635-7874 or 635-7936.