Celebrating ability at the Civic Centre (5 photos)

A celebration of ability — not disability — will be on display later this winter when the Special Olympics come to Sault Ste. Marie, says the organizer of a flag relay related to the event.

Len Donnelley is a prominent member of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus (KofC), an organization which has been involved with Special Olympics events for many years.

Sault Ste. Marie will be host to the Special Olympics 2016 North East Winter Games on February 20, and will feature curling, nordic skiing and snowshoeing events.

A flag with the Special Olympics logo was raised this afternoon by Mayor Christian Provenzano and MP Terry Sheehan in advance of the event.

Although not an active KofC member as of late, Sheehan became a knight as a young man — introduced to the group through his father.

“It’s been a part of my family. You help out your family and you help out everyone. Those are life lessons I learned,” said Sheehan.

Curler Terry Colizza — whose team won gold at last year’s games held in Timmins —  said it will feel good to be competing at home.

“I am looking forward to it. It means a lot,” said Colizza. 

Donnelley — who is organizing the relay — said the KofC are involved in sponsoring the Special Olympics events, but members also volunteer their time.

“One of the tenets of the Knights of Columbus is ‘all life is precious.’ Each one of us has our own special talents and we want to celebrate that,” said Donnelley.

A second flag was on display at the Civic Centre and is one of six flags to travel across the province in support the Special Olympics and the athletes competing in both local school and regional competitions throughout Ontario..

People are invited to sign the travelling flag in the Civic Centre lobby, before it eventually ends up in Durham Region in June for the Special Olympics Provincial School Championships.

“This is one the main reasons we wanted to get this kicked off now — to make people aware this is taking place It’s something very close to our hearts,” said Donnelley.

(PHOTO: A Special Olympics flag seen on display at the Civic Centre prior to Knights of Columbus members in regalia seen during  a flag-raising ceremony in advance of the upcoming Special Olympics 2016 North East Winter Games, which will be held on February 20 in Sault Ste. Marie. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)