(March 10, 2005)

Skate Canada extends its congratulations to the 72 athletes, including eight figure skaters, who represented Canada at the eighth Special Olympics World Winter Games, which were held February 26 to March 5 in Nagano, Japan.

Over 1,800 athletes from over 80 countries took part in these Games, which were the first of their kind held in Asia. A total of 72 Canadian athletes participated in the event, winning 87 medals. In addition, 17 Canadian coaches and nine Mission staff attended the event.

Canadian athletes made us extremely proud, with over 90 per cent performing personal bests in their respective competitions. We congratulate all of you on your outstanding achievements!

Canadian skaters took home a total of 11 medals from the Games. Congratulations to gold medal winners Julie Stanhope (Level 3 female), Alexandra Magee (Level 4 female), Erin Rynberk (Level 6 female), Raymond Rockburn (Level 2 male), David Robertson (Level 3 male 16+ age group), James Blood (Level 3 male 13-16 age group), Julie Stanhope and James Blood (Level 1 pairs), Alexandra Magee and Marc Theriault (Level 2 pairs) and David Robertson (Level 2 male dance). Congratulations also to silver medal winners Vicki Vale (Level 5 female) and Marc Theriault (Level 6 male).

A special thank you goes out to the coaches, officials and athletes’ families for your encouragement and support of the athletes. The athletes would not have achieved this level of competition without your dedication and support. You play such a vital role in the lives of the athletes, and we thank you for your continued dedication.

Again, our sincere congratulations to all the Canadian athletes who competed at the Special Olympics World Winter Games this year. Your continued dedication to sport is admirable and you have made us all very proud.

Best wishes,