Let's Talk

Special Olympiads
for Exceptional People

By Bill Rankin, Communications Officer, Communications and Citizen Engagement Sector
Photos: Bill Rankin

Leclerc Institution
Staff members and 71 inmates worked together to make the July 9, 2004 Special Olympiad for Disabled Children a big success at Leclerc Institution. Thirty-nine athletes from two agencies in the Montreal area - La joie des enfants and L'ami du déficient - poured their hearts into baseball, soccer and mini-putt competitions and were awarded T-shirts, hats, small radios and a generous lunch. Inmate organizer Mario Auger commented, "It's great to be with these kids. They suffer from their handicaps, so it's nice to see them so happy and excited. It's our way of giving back to the community." Auger and fellow inmates in their SOS Group work all year to raise funds for the event by selling food items to the prison population.

Helping to organize this year's event were France Gratton, Chief of Programs at Leclerc, Alain Sirois, Acting Assistant Warden, Correctional Programs, numerous correctional officers, social programs officers and other enthusiastic staff. "These children are so happy when you give them special attention," France Gratton commented. "That's what makes it so worthwhile for us."

Collins Bay Institution
Athletes, inmates and volunteers vowed to "Rock the house!" at the opening of the 28th Exceptional People's Olympiad at Collins Bay Penitentiary on July 17-18, and rock it they did. Under a blazing sun, approximately 75 athletes from centres between Ottawa and Toronto ran, jumped and tossed their way to victory, collecting ribbons, medals, trophies and much applause along the way.

The annual event, organized and financed this year by 174 Collins Bay inmates and various outside sponsors, is a chance for mentally and physically disabled athletes to achieve their dreams of competing in a high-profile venue and an opportunity for offenders to make a valuable contribution to the community.

"It's been a long year getting this ready," commented head inmate organizer Andrew Wristen. "My crew has worked hard to get it together. The last few months have been crazy!"

"All in all, it's been a good event; eight centres participated. We like to see those happy smiles. Next year we hope for more athletes and more activities."

Wristen is already planning for the 29^th and 30^th year of the event. "The 30th will be an extravaganza," he predicts. "We hope to bring in athletes that participated in the very first Collins Bay Olympiad back in 1976. We know they're out there and we're going to find them!"

Springhill Institution
On July 17 Warden Al Alexander officially launched the second year of the Springhill Institution Special Olympics. With the help of 64 inmates, numerous volunteers and community partners, the 65 athletes from three regional agencies were treated to an exciting day of competition, good food and good will.

Events included Frisbee, softball and football tosses, a tennis hit, badminton, 50 and 100 metre jogs, and mini-golf.

The inmate committee kicked in a whopping $1,500 to cover the cost of transportation for the participants and for refreshments. Local grocery stores in Springhill and Amherst donated enough pop and ice cream to keep everyone happy.

All in all, it was a successful second Special Olympics at Springhill, thanks in great part to event coordinator Rick Creamer.