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Special Olympics celebrates 50 years in Thunder Bay (6 photos)

Dunk tank, barbecue held at Marina Park to help raise money for athletes and their events.

THUNDER BAY – Special Olympics has been in Thunder Bay for 50 years and the impact has been phenomenal.

Const. Ian West of the Thunder Bay Police Service, says the organization has benefited hundreds, if not thousands of athletes young and old, teaching them the spirit of sport and competition, while also boosting their confidence in their own abilities.

West, a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run committee and the parent of a special needs child, on Friday was the first to brave the frigid waters of a dunk tank at Prince Arthur’s Landing, part of a 50th anniversary celebration that also included a barbecue, face painting and clowns.

It’s a milestone well worth celebrating, West said, adding Special Olympics continues to grow in Thunder Bay.

“They get to see they are absolutely capable of everything they put their minds to,” West said. “They get to show their athletic abilities and interact. It’s a great social gathering for them, so they’re able to interact with everybody in all areas of our city, because they come out and assist with these events that are going on.

“We also have them as part of our Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraisers ... and they work alongside us.”

Athlete Corey Munshaw said the sports aspect of Special Olympics is fantastic – he takes part in track events during the summer and snowshoeing during the winter months – but it’s the social atmosphere he likes best.

“It’s been very fun,” he said. “I have good friends to be with and I get to be around everybody.”

Friday’s event was also a fundraiser, with proceeds going toward Special Olympics, in particular the 2020 Winter Games, which will be hosted in Thunder Bay.

Quinn Lederer, a summer student with Special Olympics, said the organization has had a long-term impact on those with special needs in the community, along with their family and friends.

“A lot of our athletes are a bit older, so they get to be included in so many different sports and activities. We’re so close in Thunder Bay that it’s almost like a family we have. It’s really awesome,” Lederer said.



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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