Adopting an athlete

Peter Malcolm says his desire to try something new is what sparked his interest in join the 2011 Winter Special Olympics.

The 47-year-old Metro employee started curling two years ago. He said he wanted to try something that was both challenging while at the same time something new. Now the skip for one of the two Thunder Bay teams competing in the 2011 Winter Special Olympics, he said he wants to bring home the gold.

"I joined the Special Olympics because I like challenges," Malcolm said on Monday. "I haven’t tried curling before so I wanted to try something different. So far I’m really enjoying it."

Win or lose, the games are about having fun, he said. The team practices every second Saturday and every Sunday. Malcolm said each time that he practices he gets a little better.

One of the major fundraisers for the Special Olympics is the adopt an athlete campaign. For $500 local businesses, families, schools and organizations can adopt an athlete and help contribute to the event.

Those who participate will be able to track their athlete during the games and will receive pictures and a plaque for their donation.

Julie Tilbury, games manager for the Winter Special Olympics, said with nearly 300 athletes already adopted as of Dec. 27, they only need 61 more adoptions to reach their targeted goal of $180,000. The campaign started slowly in May but Tilbury hoped the fundraiser would pick up speed in the new year, she said.

"In the last month or so the campaign has been taking off," Tilbury said. "We believe January is going to be a month where we will see Thunder Bay be as generous as we know Thunder Bay can be. We’re pretty confident that we will reach our goal."

The Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games will take place Jan. 20 to 23 next year.

Athletes will compete in six different events, including curling, skiing and snowshoeing. An estimated 600 volunteers will be needed before and during the activities.