Native Particular Olympics athletes representing Group Canada

HILLSBURGH – Two native Particular Olympics athletes are representing Group Canada within the 2023 World Video games in Berlin, Germany: Jennifer Allen from Hillsburgh and Marc Richardson from Guelph.  

This yr 89 athletes from throughout Canada are competing in Berlin, so it’s an enormous deal to have two from Guelph and Wellington County, famous Particular Olympics neighborhood coordinator Lori Savage. 

Allen will likely be taking part in on the Canadian ladies’s basketball crew and Richardson will likely be competing in 10 pin bowling. 

They’re in Germany now, exploring Munich – Group Canada’s host city. 

The televised video games start on June 17 and final 9 days. 

Marc Richardson

Richardson has been a Particular Olympic athlete for 18 years, and it has been his “lifelong dream to characterize Group Canada” within the World Video games, he advised the Advertiser in an interview on the bowling alley.

“It’s an honour.”

His favorite factor concerning the Particular Olympics is attending to “compete with individuals with the identical skills” – and never being “made enjoyable of for those who do it unsuitable.” 

Since he started coaching for the World Video games in September, he has walked 903 kilometers, Savage stated.  

“Marc’s dedication to coaching has been wonderful to observe,” she added.

Richardson stated that was by strolling for one hour a day – for 9 months. 

This will likely be his first time leaving Canada, and he’s trying ahead to “viewing the good nation” of Germany and “assembly different individuals from different international locations.”  

He additionally loves how competing within the Particular Olympics permits him to hang around with enjoyable individuals and journey throughout Canada. 

In 2019, Richardson represented Ontario within the Nationwide Video games in Prince Edward Island.

Richardson’s “favorite factor about bowling is when the ball hits these pins on the finish of the ally and also you hear the pins fall.” 

Bowling has introduced Richardson and his brothers Matt and Greg nearer collectively this yr, as they bowl collectively as soon as each two weeks, alongside along with his nephew Desmond. 

Jennifer Allen 

Allen has been competing within the Particular Olympics for over 22 years, and he or she competed in 10 pin bowling within the World Video games in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Allen stated she was not anticipating an opportunity to compete within the Particular Olympics World Video games for a second time, in a distinct sport.

Allen is trying ahead to “assembly new associates” and spending time together with her teammates and coaches in Germany. 

Whereas taking part in basketball Allen enjoys “listening to the cheering” and encouragement from her teammates, particularly after they say “let’s go Jen!” or “you’ve obtained this!” 

She performs all positions and particularly enjoys taking pictures lay-ups and “working down the courtroom,” although she is cautious to tempo herself so she nonetheless has vitality within the fourth quarter.