The acoustics of a basketball court are like a heartbeat, according to Special Olympics Team Canada athlete Tyra Flukinger. She describes the sound of dribbling and shooting as a rhythmic pulse, like drums. Flukinger is currently in Berlin, Germany for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, marking a return to international competition since the last Games in 2019.
Unlike the Paralympics, which are held alongside the Olympics, the World Games are comparable to the World Athletic Championships and represent the highest level of athletic competition. A total of 89 Canadian athletes will represent their country in nine sports, including athletics, basketball, bocce, tenpin bowling, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, and swimming.
Flunkinger is accompanied by Special Olympics Canada honorary coach Stephanie Labbé, a gold medalist and goalkeeper for Canada’s national women’s soccer team. Labbé also serves as the general manager of women’s soccer for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Labbé expresses her excitement about the opportunity to see the athletes compete and describes it as an honor to go to the World Games with Team Canada.
The World Games serve as the flagship event for Special Olympics and occur every two years, alternating between summer and winter games. This year’s Games in Berlin mark a fresh start for the Special Olympics movement, as it is the first event since 2019 due to the pandemic. Additionally, Team Canada will debut its first all-women’s soccer and basketball teams at the Games.
Although Flukinger has played with Special Olympics Canada for eight years, this is her first time participating in the World Games. The selection process for athletes was different this year, with individuals being chosen from across the country based on registration, as the 2022 Summer Games did not occur. This means that many team members had never met before the World Games training camps and will be competing together for the first time in Berlin.
The pandemic has also prevented many Special Olympics athletes from playing on the international stage before, making this a unique experience for them. Labbé emphasizes that her role at the Games will be to support and cheer on her team every step of the way and reminds them of their worth and abilities.
Special Olympics was founded in 1968 and provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Labbé took on her role as honorary coach because she believes in the importance of providing inclusive opportunities for Canadians with intellectual disabilities. She wants athletes to know that they are valued and deserving of the same opportunities as anyone else.
Phil Brown, a powerlifter with Special Olympics Canada for 31 years, expressed his joy when he found out he was joining Team Canada for the first time at the Berlin World Games. He stands at five-foot-five inches and 138 pounds but can deadlift nearly three times his weight. Despite facing adversity in foster care and experiencing years of bullying, powerlifting became his salvation, and Special Olympics holds a special place in his heart.
A recent Canadian study found that participation in Special Olympics reduces the risk of depression in young adults with intellectual disabilities. The study highlights the benefits of physical activity and social connectedness when it comes to mental health. Labbé acknowledges that there are still barriers to overcome to make sports more accessible for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics World Games shed light on the importance of inclusive opportunities and the desire for everyone to have the chance to compete, meet new people, and learn from sports.
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