My name is Thomas Boyes. I’m a snowshoer. It’s my pleasure to say a few words at these closing ceremonies for the Special Olympics Winter Games 2011. I’ve been training for these games for a year. This was my first time competing in the Winter Games. I’ve been proud to represent Thunder Bay and Region 8.
Hopefully everybody’s enjoyed their time in Thunder Bay. I like things in Thunder Bay like the Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team and the Sleeping Giant. I also really like Persians! Persians are a nice light donut with lots of pink icing! I hope all the athletes get to try a Thunder Bay Persian before you leave!
This is the first time ever that the Winter Games have been held in Thunder Bay. All the volunteers and the organizers did a great job. I applaud all the athletes who have come here this year to snowshoe, figure skate, speed skate, downhill ski, cross-country ski, and curl. Some of you may have medals but I hope all of you had lots of fun. The Special Olympics is a good way to meet friends. The dances are incredible and the food is awesome.
I’d like to congratulate the more than three hundred athletes and our coaches who volunteer their time. I’d also like to thank all the volunteers who have helped with these games. Thanks to everyone who sponsored an athlete.
I’d like to give a BIG shout out to my snowshoeing coaches, Nicole and Paul and of course Buddy their dog because Buddy goes everywhere with them. They have been on this journey every step of the way with me and the other athletes in our team.
Medals are nice. I have four medals but we always say at every Special Olympics event our oath: Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
If I can leave you with a little advice, this is it: You can always try to do something active. You can do anything, you can try anything, so get out there and do it! I have made lasting friendships through my sport of snowshoeing and I look forward to seeing my competitors and friends again in the community that will host the next Ontario Winter Special Olympics. Keep playing and competing everybody!