Penticton Special Olympics Team Canada athletes added to their medal count at the Special Olympics World Games Tuesday night.
Avery Newton won silver in the 100-metre fly, while Jake Huff’s bowling team won gold in their division in Los Angeles. Chad Conlon, Lynden Hicks and Ben Willms of Kelowna won gold in their divisions for bocce singles. Kevin Ellis was fifth in his Division.
“Not only are they doing well in their sports, but are enjoying so many other experiences,” said Mona Hazel of Special Olympics Penticton. “The first few days were spent in the host city of Anaheim/Orange County. There they took in a Los Angeles Angels game and visited the Orange County Fair. They were treated like royalty.”
The bocce team earned bronze earlier in the week with Margaret Burnell, Conlon, Hicks and Willms. In the pool, Newton won gold, while Amanda Schleppe earned bronze.
During the opening ceremonies Canadian singer Justin Beiber walked down the red carpet with them. The Canadian Embassy hosted a party for Team Canada and family members who are in L.A. There were celebrities, sponsors and sports personalities.
The Games take place from July 25 to Aug. 2. It is the largest sport and humanitarian event taking place in the world. The Games will host 7,000 athletes from 177 countries.