THUNDER BAY – As far as skiers go, Dylan Taylor is one of a kind.
The Greenwood, N.S. native is the lone representative on his province’s cross-country ski team this week at the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
It just makes him that much more enthusiastic about the competition, knowing he’s carrying the Nova Scotia flag on his back.
“I have a few friends who come practice with us,” said Taylor, who has taken to the snow covered fairways of Paragon Golf Course as his personal training ground.
“We used to have three other skiers who skied, but then they gave it up for something else. So now I’m the only skier that’s competing and that’s OK.”
Taylor said it was super nerve-wracking at first, heading far from home to compete on unfamiliar trails and only a few familiar faces to help him out.
But that changed almost immediately upon arrival in Northwestern Ontario.
“I thought, oh how am I going to fit in? But I fit in with Team Ontario and Alberta at the hotel and all the other teams and I just kind of (fit) right in, eventually,” he said.
He’s thrilled for the chance to take on the country’s best at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
“Competing for myself is a newer, bigger experience than I’ve ever wanted,” Taylor said. “All the people here are very supportive. We help each other before the race. My coach is here to help me and very encouraging and it’s great to come out and experience something new.”
His goals are not much different than any other athlete competing in any other sport.
“Just to get through the week and not worry so much about what’s going to happen back at home. I just want to focus on enjoying this with my friends and my team, and celebrating at the dance that’s going to happen,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.
Taylor was one of dozens of skiers taking part in races on Tuesday at Kamview Nordic Centre, the opening day of competition at the Games.
Thunder Bay’s Noah Filice was pretty quick around the track in the 500-metre men’s race.
The 15-year-old was excited to get his race week going, with plenty of hometown fans lining the course cheering him on.
“It feels pretty cool to be racing in my hometown,” he said.
The teen said he’s loved skiing ever since he first strapped them on his feet.
“It’s always great going on the trails and going through hills and cool sites and forest areas,” he said.
Thunder Bay’s Justin Campbell was just three skiers behind in the afternoon race, on his home course.
“I like it because it’s good for me. I like to go cross-country skiing,” Campbell said.
Admission to any of the Games’ events is free. The competition continues through Saturday.
