For the first time in the 30-year history of Special Olympics - Burnaby, four young women will be representing our city and province in the sport of curling at the Special Olympics Canada Winter National Games being held Feb. 28 to March 3 in St. Albert, Alta.
The team, known as the Ice Rockettes, is lead by April Armstrong as the lead, second Alene Elgaard, third Bridget Colvin and anchored by skip Artisia Wong.
This is the first time that the Special Olympics Burnaby Local has qualified a curling team for the Games and the first time that an all-women's team in Canada will be participating at the Games.
The curling program in Burnaby has just completed its seventh year and the Ice Rockettes were first put together three years ago.
In a short time the team has come together and accomplished much, qualifying for the national Games over the past two years, winning first at a local qualifier and then taking a silver medal at the Special Olympics B.C. Winter competitions in Coquitlam last February.
Veterans, Colvin and Elgaard lead the team with the most curling experience, while newcomers Armstrong and Wong have picked up the game very quickly over the last three years. When asked how they feel about representing Burnaby and our province at the national games, one word, "excited."
The team will leave for the Games on Feb. 27, joining more than 150 athletes, coaches and mission staff representing British Columbia from the sports of curling, figure skating, speedskating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, floor hockey and alpine skiing. It all gets going with the Opening Ceremonies on Feb. 28 in St. Albert, when Team B.C. meets up with over 950 Special Olympic competitors from all across Canada.
