It was a very successful turnout for all of the Canadian athletes at this year's Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy, with the speed skating national team having a particularly fruitful trip, bringing home nearly a dozen medals.
At the helm of the speed skating team was Abbotsford's very own Donna Bilous, who has been coaching with Special Olympics BC for nearly two decades.
She recently led the team of Canadians to a total of 11 medals, including a couple of golds, which she said was a proud accomplishment for all the athletes who got to compete for their country.
"I am so proud of Special Olympics Team Canada, not only for the successes they had on the field of play, but for the sportsmanship they displayed, their kindness to others, and the appreciation shown to the many volunteers who made the Special Olympics World Games possible," Bilous said. "It is always an honour to represent your country on the world stage."
She explained that the journey to the World Winter Games was a long process that involved a lot of hard work and dedication from the athletes, coaches, support staff, and other volunteers.
"Their resilience and competitive spirit shone through despite the few bumps we had along the way," Bilous said.
One of these literal bumps was felt by New Brunswick speed skater Jonathan Henry, who suffered a fall during one of his races, resulting in a chin injury. But after getting fixed up by the team doctor, Henry was able to demonstrate his determination and get back on the ice to win a bronze medal.
"It was a great Special Olympics World Games for our speedskaters," Bilous said.
The full list of Canadian medal winners in speed skating includes:
Thomasina Payne, Alta. – 333m F1 (bronze), 777m F3 (bronze), 500m F4 (bronze)
Joshua Boudreau, N.W.T. – 777m M1 (silver), 500m M1 (bronze), 1000m M1 (silver)
Ewen Barclay, Ont. – 1500m F1 (gold), 500m F1 (bronze), 1000m F1 (bronze)
Ella Robinson-Renaud, Ont. – 500m F2 (bronze), 222m F1 (gold)
Jonathan Henry, N.B. – 500m M5 (bronze)
In total, Team Canada won 166 medals – 39 gold, 35 silver, and 42 bronze – at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, with B.C. athletes being responsible for 29 of these medals.
