Amanda Stewart continues to make waves in the pool.
The Parksville Qualicum Beach Special Olympian recently competed at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games as a member of Team BC. Stewart came home with three medals — gold in the 100-m freestyle, a silver in the 100-m backstroke and a bronze in the 50- m freestyle. She just missed her fourth medal when she placed four in the 50-m backstroke.
Glowing with pride, Stewart said she was happy with her performance.
“I am so happy with my accomplishments and experiences,” said Stewart. “When I won first, I won by a big enough margin, that I knew I had won.”
Stewart was the only local representative at the games that was held in Antigonish, N.S. earlier this month. She said she really loved her new Team BC swimsuit.
The 243 members of Team B.C. who travelled to Antigonish were made up of 174 athletes with intellectual disabilities, 54 coaches, and 15 mission staff members, representing 38 communities across British Columbia.
“Team BC athletes did a fantastic job at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games,” said Leslie Thornley, Team B.C. 2018 Chef de Mission. “These athletes trained hard to prepare for this event and we are extremely proud of how they represented their province. It was very exciting to see them impress spectators from across Canada with their abilities and sportsmanship.”
Officials from Team B.C. stated that competing at national games is an empowering and potentially life-changing experience for Special Olympics athletes. Through competition and training, athletes set and achieve goals, build confidence and pride, and create valued friendships.
Athletes qualified for Team B.C. through their performances at the 2017 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Kamloops. Special Olympics Canada will select members of Special Olympics Team Canada for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi based on their performances in Antigonish.