Friends, families and fans welcomed back Team Alberta at the Edmonton International Airport Sunday afternoon.
The athletes had been competing at the Special Olympic Summer Games in Vancouver since July 8 and many came back wearing their medals.
“They were an amazing group and represented the province with great pride,” Johnny Byrne, CEO of Special Olympics Alberta, told CTV News.
Laura Berrisford, who won gold in softball, said it was her first time at the games and she enjoyed the competitions.
“A little nerve-racking but I was with my friends so that made it all better.”
Berrisford’s mother said the trip had been a good one for her daughter.
“The whole Olympic experience has helped her come out of her shell. It has taught her a lot of better social skills. It is just going to help her overall,” Shelia Berrisford said.
Byrne said the experience helps the 120 athletes become more independent.
“This is a week where they are away from their direct support, family or caregivers, so it really puts a lot of onus on them and opportunity. It is really cool to watch that transformation.”
According to the competition website, this year was the largest Canadian Games ever with over 2,000 athletes expected to take part. The games take place every four years and this was the first time B.C. hosted in over 20 years.
To see Team Alberta’s results visit the Special Olympics 2014 Summer Games website.
With files from Nicole Weisberg
