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Correctional Service of Canada -
Special Olympiads

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AUDIO Transcript

Narration:

It's been a busy day of competition for athlete Vivian Leung Yan. and helping her every step of the way has been Wilfred Earle. But this isn't your typical team. Vivian is competing inside the walls of Collins Bay medium-security facility in Kingston, Ontario. and Wilfred is one of the inmates.

This is one of several special Olympiads being held at medium security facilities this summer. Diane Russon is with Correctional Services of Canada.

Diane Russon:

"The Olympiads are truly a unique experience. This is the 28th annual Collins Bay Exceptional Peoples' Olympiad here at Collins Bay in Kingston. There's similar types of events that take place at Leclerc Institution in Laval, Quebec, as well as Springhill Institution in Springhill, Nova Scotia."

Narration:

Months of planning go into making the special Olympiads a success. and the majority of the work is carried out by participating inmates.

Alfred Humphrey [Inmate]:

"The Olympiad is organized by the inmate population and we get sponsors from the street and donations from the inmates in here. It takes all year to get everything ready and organized ... and probably next week we'll begin planning for next year."

Diane Russon:

"This is a day of fun and games for the developmentally challenged athletes. The athletes are paired up with God Brothers from the institution and they participate in games for the day and everybody's a winner. It gives the inmates an opportunity to bond with the athletes and hone on some of the communication skills and interpersonal skills that they can build which will help in their return to society."

Narration:

Activities include short distance run, long jump, relays and other games.

Vivian Leung Yan [Athlete]:

"I like to come here because I like to enjoy the Olympiad. Earle is my best friend. He's working with me a lot here. He helps me a lot."

Wilfred Earle [Inmate]:

"Great enjoyment to see the young kids having the opportunity to come here.. And for us, a change of pace. It breaks the monotony of the institution. It gives us great strength and courage and hope that one day when we're released from this institution that we might achieve our objectives in a positive way."

Rick Clark [Inmate]:

"I get the enjoyment of seeing how the athletes, what the athletes get out of this. Seeing them happy makes me happy, makes us all happy. And we look forward to this. This is something we look forward to all year. And it's a good thing."

Melanie Saunders reporting.