Western Valley Region to host 2025 New Brunswick Special Olympics Provincial Games

Special Olympians from across New Brunswick will head to northwestern N.B. next summer, as Special Olympics Western Valley Region will host the 2025 New Brunswick Provincial Summer Games from July 17 to 20.

“We encourage everyone to come out to witness amazing athletes compete at this top provincial level of competition,” said Western Valley Region coordinator Debbi Graham, who will co-chair the event with Leslie Jackson.

Graham and Jackson hosted the event announcement on Sept. 19 at the AYR Motor Centre in Woodstock. They were joined by SONB representatives executive director Jane McKeown and program director Emma Stone, several veteran Special Olympic athletes, local municipal officials, Woodstock Police Force Chief Mark Bennett and officers representing the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Bennett and athlete Henry Porter carried the torch as they led the group into the AYR Motor Centre Galley Room to kick off the announcement event.

Graham said the event will host 250 athletes and coaches from 10 New Brunswick regions who will compete in track and field, bocce, golf, softball, and swimming at sports facilities throughout the Upper Valley.

Graham told the River Valley Sun they expected to hold the event’s opening ceremonies at Hartland’s new Central Carleton Community Complex.

Jackson said the Western Valley Region is excited to host the 2024 Summer Games, adding the event will require volunteers and fundraising for success.

“We live in a very generous area, and over the next few weeks and months we will be sharing ways to become involved,” he said.

McKeown and Stone used the opportunity of the provincial game’s announcement to make a surprise presentation on behalf of the SONB of the Rita Agnew Spirit Award 2024 to Jackson for his years of dedication to the Special Olympics.

Jackson’s daughter Jennifer was one of five award-winning Special Olympians who attended the event. Jennifer, who represented golf, was joined by athletics competitor Patti Connors, bocce player Calvin Grant, softball player Jeff Robinson and Porter, a swimmer.

Graham said Special Olympians across New Brunswick competed in regional games this summer to earn a spot at the provincial games next year.

With the help of several of the athletes on hand, Graham recited the Special Olympics motto.

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Noting the importance of agriculture to the Western Valley Region, Graham said “farming’ will be the theme of next summer’s provincial games.

“These games are not all about sport. It’s also a celebration of friendship, community and the joy of competition,” she said. “We want our athletes to experience our proud farming community by carrying the theme through from the spectacular opening ceremonies on Thursday evening to the athletes’ dance finale on Saturday evening.”

Jim Dumville, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, River Valley Sun