The long-awaited soccer game between Special Olympic athletes and the local RCMP went off without a hitch on Thursday June 2 at the Chatelech Secondary soccer field.
Last year, the game didn’t happen because of a police emergency. This year, on their second try, the game was called on account of the lightning storm that hit the Coast. The third time was lucky, and players, officers and spectators all had a blast.
The playing was fast and fun. Officer Karen was in goal for the police and Bryan Ware for the athletes. The first goal, scored by Stephie Malcom, set the stage for what would be the first-ever Special O game that didn’t end in a tie. At least, from best recollections, the score was 8-2 for the athletes. Scoring goals was not the only reason everyone came out – the real goals were simply to play, exercise and most important of all … have fun! Those goals were all accomplished.
Two long-time players – Amber Maher and Amanda Boghean – have been playing soccer “since the beginning.” When asked what they love about the sport, they together quipped, “Teamwork.” Kyara Richmond has been playing for one year. She likes the team and making friends. A newcomer to soccer, Christel Jensen said she had chosen soccer because she wanted to try something different. Stephie Malcom said he “likes all of it.”
The Special Olympics team expressed gratitude to the RCMP members – Andrea, Ben, Kevin, Chris, Nicole and Darcy – for showing their team spirit and support, and to the many spectators, caregivers and support staff who watched and cheered on the players. Shout out to coach Chuck Bertrand for the halftime music and pizza at the end of the evening.
We know these officers can play floor hockey with the Bears, and now they have shown they can play soccer, but the Dolphins swim team is wondering, “How fast can these officers swim?”
See more photos from the soccer match at www.coastreporter.net
