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ys Durham Region Police Deputy Chief Chuck Mercier, back, and Elgin Knopp are the Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the Special Olympics Spring Games taking place in Durham Region from May 29 to 31. website: www.focusonscugog.com *APRIL.OB/S2pages.indd 5 ® Scugog men head Special Olympics Durham Region plays host to athletes from across Ontario for Special Olympics Spring Games When 900 athletes converge on Durham Region next month to take part in the Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, residents of Scugog should be proud knowing that two Port Perry men played a large part in the or- ganization of this grand event. And while they don’t look for accolades, they are proud to have had an opportunity to lead the drive to bring the Special Olympics to Durham Region. Special Olympics chairman Chuck Mercier and vice-chairman Elgin Knopp have spent countless hours over the past two and a half years, speaking to dozens of groups, individuals and corporations in their efforts to raise the $1 million needed to organize and operate the event, which is now just weeks away. Beginning May 29, athletes with intellectual disabilities will begin ar- riving at the campus of Durham College and the University of Ontario In- stitute of Technology, where they will settle into “Athletes Village” for the duration of the games. It’s from this location, the athletes will be fed, enjoy leisure activities and be housed. ie Games opening ceremonies will get underway Thursday night in the new athletic complex at DC/UOIT with the final leg of the torch run, lighting of the Olympic flame and raising of the Olympic flag. Chairman Chuck Mercier, who is also a Deputy Chief with the Durham Region Police Service, will assist one of the Special Olympians light the flame to officially open the games. A social time will follow the opening ceremonies. The real action gets underway the following morning when the athletes begin their competitions. There are five events taking place during the games at various locations throughout south Durham. 1. Basketball - DC/UOIT. 2. Powerlifting -DC/UOIT 3. Swimming - Pickering Recreation Centre 4. Five Pin Bowling - North End Bowl, Oshawa 5. Ten Pin Bowling - Leisure Lanes, Oshawa All of the events will take place over two days, Friday and Saturday, May 30, 31 and successful athletes will be awarded medals at each site on a po- dium, presented by Olympic Games sponsors and officials. the conclusion of each of the two exciting days, all the athletes, coach- es and support staff will be transported back to Athletes Village, where they will enjoy a planned evening of entertainment and events. Closing ceremonies will take place following the final competitions on Saturday at the DC/UOIT Athletic Complex. This exciting event will begin with all of the athletes marching in carrying banners representing each of the 12 competing Ontario regions. They will then be seated for the closing remarks and lowering of the Olympic flag. The final event for the games will be a dance that takes place at the complex. Before all the excitement of the games begin there is still much work to be done. Both Chuck and Elgin, along with dozens more volunteers will continue fundraising efforts, explaining that the games have to be com- pletely financed by the people, businesses and municipalities which make up Durham Region. “There is absolutely no money or grants available from the Ontario gov- ernment for these games,” explains Chuck. Elgin points out that the games organizers are responsible not only for Please turn to “Special” on page 19 FOCUS - APRIL 2008 5 ® sens 10193140 |