On June 17 and 18, the Parksville and District 69 team attend the annual Operation Trackshoes sports festival at the University of Victoria and for the eighth year in a row won first place in the Adult Team Division.
The Parksville team consists of 34 adults with developmental disabilities participating in this provincial event that provides an all inclusive venue for competing with other teams throughout B.C.
This year the athletes were favoured with mostly sunny skies and enthusiastically participated in the many track and field style events, swimming, wheelchair competition as well as the evening banquet and dance ceremonies.
Accompanying the team were nine Parksville coach/counsellor volunteers that ensured the maximum enjoyment was attained by all. Parksville team member, Alicia Lewis-Patient, won the Best Female Sportsmanship trophy, highlighting the important quality of achieving success through respect of fellow participants.
The team’s success again this year is a reflection of the determination of each individuals’ personal abilities pushed to their fullest potential, and was evident in the massive display of ribbons worn proudly on their Parksville shirts. Once again, we are inspired by the tenacity and positive attitude of this team displaying sportsmanship coupled with friendship from the opening ceremonies to the long and restful bus ride home.
— Submitted by Doug O’Brie