THUNDER BAY – Seven-time provincial women’s curling champion Krista McCarville has been named the honourary chair of the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
On Thursday she officially accepted the role and as her first duty, challenged 799 more people living in Thunder Bay and other surrounding communities to step up and volunteer for the event, which take place from Feb. 25 to Feb. 29.
McCarville, the runner up at the 2016 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, said it’s exciting for the city to play host to such a great event, adding she wants to lend her experience as an elite-level curler to help the 900 or so athletes expected in Thunder Bay for next year’s Games.
“I’m an athlete in the curling world. I know some of the athletes do know me and I want to do whatever I can to support them. Throughout my time curling I always had those dreams and those goals of representing my province and representing Canada,” McCarville said. “They’re at the point where they’re representing their province. So if I can assist in helping them achieve their dreams, that’s what I’m here for.”
Games manager Doug Henry said landing someone as well known and well respected as McCarville can only boost the Games’ profile, not only in Thunder Bay, but throughout the country.
“If anybody’s watched Krista curl at the Scotties, she brings a great deal of respect and sportsmanship and dignity. She’s a really great representative for us to be a part of the Special Olympics,” Henry said.
Both McCarville and Henry are hopeful Thunder Bay’s well-known volunteer community are ready to step up once again to ensure the Games are a success.
“To have all of these athletes and their families come to our city, why wouldn’t you want to volunteer?” asked McCarville, also a Grade 5 teacher at Holy Family School.
“It will be super exciting. I hope we get a lot of children out from the schools, with their parents to just cheer them on.”
Henry did say he expects their volunteer complement won’t have vacancies for long.
“If you’d like to volunteer for the Games, I suggest you do it early, because I think we’re going to be full really early,” he said.
Volunteer duties could include anything from time-keeping to marshalling to set-up and tear-down for the eight different sports featured at the five-day event.
“But then there are all kinds of needs for hospitality, drivers, opening and closing ceremonies. There are a lot of moving parts to this event and there are a lot of different kinds of opportunities for people to be involved,” Henry said.
Also announced at Thursday’s media conference was Tbaytel’s confirmation as the volunteer sponsor.
President and CEO Dan Topatigh said the company is always looking for events that make Thunder Bay a stronger, more vibrant community.
“Without question, this is one of those events,” he said.
To volunteer, visit www.specialolympics2020.com.
