TORONTO, Aug. 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Canada is thrilled to welcome Team Canada back after an incredible two weeks of competition at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, California. Team Canada was a force to be reckoned with on the playing field, bringing home an incredible record-breaking 144 medals (70 gold, 48 silver and 26 bronze) and countless personal bests.
"We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of each and every one of the members of Team Canada and are thrilled with their performances in Los Angeles," noted Chief Executive Officer for Special Olympics Canada, Sharon Bollenbach. "The road to the World Games and the experience of international competition has proven to be an incredible journey for this team. They demonstrated passion, dedication and represented our country with the utmost pride. Congratulations to all!"
In the years and months of training in the lead-up to the Games, Team Canada, through Special Olympics Canada's National Team program, committed to performance preparation plans that ensured they were both mentally and physically ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Throughout the nine days of competition, from July 25 to August 2, 2015, Special Olympics Team Canada competed in 10 different sports; athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball and swimming, showcasing 114 of Canada's best athletes to the world.
"There is no better word to describe Team Canada's performance at World Games than awesome. We shattered expectations, set a new standard for National Team excellence and represented our country with great class," noted Johnny Byrne, Team Canada Chef de Mission. "I could not be more proud of our athletes and coaches and how they performed on and off the playing field. We return home knowing that we achieved our goals and honoured our great country."
Special thanks to the Government of Canada for their continued support of Special Olympics athletes across the country, to long-time Special Olympics Canada partner TSN, and sister station RDS, for their unprecedented coverage of the Games, allowing fans, supporters and family members at home to be a part of the LA 2015 experience, and to proud Team Canada sponsor Tim Hortons for allowing Team Canada to shine in their distinctly Canadian apparel. In addition, Team Canada would like to sincerely thank the Consul General James Villeneuve, his wife Kim, and the staff at the Consulate General of Canada's office for their support and encouragement throughout the Games.
Congratulations to the LA Games organizing committee, the City of Los Angeles, and the surrounding cities, communities and Host Towns (particularly Orange County and Anaheim and Chapman University) who came together to deliver a world-class Games. Team Canada is grateful for the experience and opportunity to shine on the world stage.
For stories, photos and a complete list of Team Canada results, go to: http://teamcanada.specialolympics.ca/results/
About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 38,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,000 volunteers, including more than 13,000 trained coaches.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
