The B.C. government is warmly congratulating B.C. athletes, coaches and mission staff for their recent successes at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, Korea.

Thirteen athletes, eight coaches and mission staff from British Columbia helped Canada set a new record for Special Olympics Team Canada.

B.C. athletes contributed eight gold, six silver and five bronze medals highlighted by alpine skier Kristina Ettema of Surrey. She won a gold medal in intermediate giant slalom and two silver medals in intermediate slalom and super G.

The team finished the Games with a total of 109 medals - 44 gold, 44 silver, and 21 bronze. The medal count is up, compared to the 101 medals won by the national team at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"We're very proud of the achievements of our B.C. contingent. These Games not only showcase the commitment of Special Olympics BC in its preparation of athletes, but are a testament to the will, focus and determination of these athletes to be our next generation of community leaders."

"These Games are more than performances on the ice and snow. They're about teaching sportsmanship, igniting a passion for doing your best and gaining worldwide friendships that will last forever."

Dan Howe, Special Olympics B.C. president and CEO -

"The athletes on Special Olympics Team Canada worked hard for four years to qualify to compete in the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, progressing through regional, provincial, and national competitions to reach the world stage. The B.C. team members were well-prepared and determined competitors who did their province proud as they achieved many medals and personal bests. We are so proud of them and of their dedicated coaches."

Quick Facts:

• The 141-person team Canada began its journey to PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, on Jan. 24, 2013, when the entire team gathered together as Special Olympics Team Canada for the first time.

• Competition ran from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5.

• The 2013 World Winter Games are the largest sporting event in the world this year.

Learn More:

Special Olympics BC: http://www.specialolympics.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677

BACKGROUNDER

B.C. medal winners, in chronological order, were:

• Sean Casey, Coquitlam - speed skating - 111m (gold)

• Teneesha Coulson, Penticton - alpine skiing - advanced super G (gold)

• Kevin Ellis, Penticton - cross-country skiing - 500m freestyle (gold)

• Kristina Ettema, Surrey - alpine skiing - intermediate giant slalom (gold); intermediate slalom (silver); intermediate super G (silver)

• Darlene Jakubowski, Fort St. John - figure skating - singles level 6 (gold); ice dancing level 4 (silver)

• Sheryl Jakubowski, Fort St. John - snowshoeing - 4x400m relay (gold); 1600m (bronze)

• Hazen Meade, Campbell River - snowshoeing - 1600m (silver); 4x400m relay (bronze)

• Avery Newman, Whistler - alpine skiing - advanced slalom (bronze)

• Alexander Pang, Vancouver - figure skating - singles level 3 (silver)

• Shelly Poland - cross-country skiing - 1km freestyle (gold)

• Jonathan Robins, Cranbrook - alpine skiing (bronze)

• Marc Theriault, Delta - figure skating - singles level 6 (gold)

• Erin Thom, Cranbrook - alpine skiing - advanced giant slalom (silver); advanced super G (bronze)

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677