Chilliwack’s five-pin bowling team stepped up to the spotlight at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024.
The team, comprising athletes Corey Bennett, Jamie Fulcher, Neil Fromhart, Betty Coleman and Julie Prochnau along with coaches Ian Davies and Leslie Bowling earned a gold medal for their division at the National Games.
Along with their gold medal the men on the Chilliwack team each brought home individual medals in their respective divisions for overall top scores. Bennett won gold, Fulcher won silver and Fromhard won bronze.
The Games ran Feb. 27 to March 2, and 141 athletes, 50 coaches, and 14 mission staff from 31 communities across the province showcased their amazing abilities and formed lasting friendships on the national stage.
“The 2024 National Games were an absolute joy to be a part of,” says Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Chef de Mission Michelle Cruickshank. “The athletes gave it their all during competition, as they achieved many personal bests and podium finishes in their sports. To see all of their hard work pay off is truly amazing. This has been an unforgettable National Games experience!”
After nine months of training and preparation, the B.C. team showed up to competition with great confidence. Amidst all the victorious podium finishes, athletes embraced this year’s National Games motto, “Together We Can.” They bonded with teammates, connected with new and old friends from across the country, and shared countless memories that will last a lifetime.
For B.C. athletes, the 2024 National Games are the qualifier for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which will be hosted in Torino, Italy.
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