Podium finish for SVG’s Special Olympics athletes

St Vincent and the Grenadines has so far won two silver medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

The medals came on day two of the competition from the bocce team and the women’s 50m freestyle competition.{{more}}

The members of the bocce team are Natasha Doyle, Cuthbert Michael, Loggie Loraine and Utica Smith, while Krista Bynoe won the silver medal in the 50m freestyle swim race.

Team Special Olympics SVG (SOSVG), made up of 26 athletes and six officials, is attending the Los Angeles games after an absence of 10 years.

The opening ceremony on July 25 was a spectacular affair, packed with celebrities and addressed by first lady of the United States Michelle Obama.

The Vincentian athletes joined 164 nations in the opening parade, during which teams marched into the stadium, which took two hours. The gathering was the largest for a single event in Los Angeles, surpassing the 1984 Olympic Games.

Head of delegation and SOSVG national director Janice McMaster commented: “We have done exceptionally well in fielding such a large team for these Games. Most of our athletes have never been to the Games or performed at international level, where the competition is fierce. I am very proud of the way they have conducted themselves; they have taken to the world stage like seasoned professionals.”

The team is competing in a variety of sporting disciplines including aquatics, athletics, bocce, football and tennis. Despite the hot competition and the size of some teams, SVG is upbeat about its medal prospects.

“I understand people’s doubts when a nation like India brings a team of 241 athletes to the Games, compared to our 26. They are a nation with one million athletes with intellectual disabilities and 84,950 coaches and trainers. That is what we are up against; but our team has a fighting spirit and they will win and be brave in the attempt,” McMaster said.

“I am so proud of them; they have made a valiant effort against all odds and won. There are still days of competition left and I want the whole nation to cheer on our team by liking our Facebook page. The athletes are monitoring Facebook and it means a lot to them to know they have your support.”

To cheer on Team SVG go to https://m.facebook.com/specialolympicssvg