Special Olympics athletes ready to 'kick butt' in Winnipeg

Proud Westman athletes are set to represent the region at the Special Olympics Manitoba Winter Games later this month.

"We're a very strong athletic group, we have had great coaching and I think if everybody has their best, they can be at the top," regional leader Cyndi Price said during Friday's pep rally at the West End Community Centre.

She added that the games, to be held in WinnipegFeb. 22-24, serve as a springboard for athletes to compete on the national and even international stage.

The Westman team is made up of people from Brandon, Neepawa, Killarney and beyond.

While painting a sign, athlete Stephen Campbell said he was excited to compete in floor hockey at the games. He said the best part is all the other people he gets to meet while playing.

Raymond Gallant, who has been five-pin bowling since 2011, said he won't be going to Winnipeg with the rest of the athletes, but wanted to come to the pep rally on Friday evening to show his support for the other members of the Westman team.

The Manitoba Winter Games feature seven sports; five-pin bowling, curling, floor hockey, snowshoe, Nordic ski, alpine ski and speed skating. Athletes from Westman will be competing in curling, bowling and floor hockey.

Speaking at the pep rally to send the athletes off, curling coach Jodee Webster said professional athletes could learn a lot from the special athletes about sportsmanship.

"I have never gotten as much joy as I get from coming out every Sunday and coaching you guys," she said. "You are amazing athletes and the thing I love is the sportsmanship. I'm blessed to be able to call you all friends, because you are, and we are going kick some butt in Winnipeg."

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