In a  spectacular display of skill, determination, and teamwork, the Special Olympics BC Burnaby Wildcats curling team clinched the gold medal in the Prairie Winds division at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. The team was led by Skip, Mary Armstrong, Third, April Armstrong, Second, Suzanne Armstrong, and Leads, Artisia Wong and Kim Davies and coached by Debra Colvin and Tony Maniezzo. This was the only all female team at these games.  Also making this team extra unique was the fact that 3 of the curlers were from the same  Armstrong family – mom Suzanne and her 2 daughters Mary and April.

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games took place February 27-March 2 at the north Hill Curling Club in Calgary, AB. There was 22 teams, five qualified from BC. (Burnaby Wildcats, Burnaby Wolves, Campbell River Rocks, Langley and Quesnel Fury.

In the Gold medal final game,  Ontario took an early lead, establishing a 4-0 advantage.  The Wildcats rallied with resilience in the final three ends scoring an impressive 9 points, securing a final score of Burnaby Wildcats 9, Ontario York South 4.  The triumphant moment was met with jubilation as the team celebrated with cheers, embraces, and tossed toques.

The Wildcats’ journey to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 was marked by 4 years of practice, teamwork, dedication to the sport and shared dreams to win a GOLD medal at SOC National Games.  Their victory is not just a win on the scoreboard but a symbol of the indomitable spirit that defines the Special Olympics movement.

A big congratulations to all five teams including Campbell River who captured bronze, Burnaby Wolves finished fourth, Langley also finished fourth and Quesnel Fury, finishing in fifth place.