Some do it for the competition, some do it for the love of sport and others do it for the girls.
Whatever the case may be, several 撸奶社区residents with developmental disabilities are gearing up to represent the community at the Operation Trackshoes event in Victoria on Friday through Sunday (June 8 to 10).
"It's the 42nd annual event and it actually started in a church basement," said Aaron Purdie of Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS). "Some of the people who founded it are still involved to this day."
Operation Trackshoes provided events for all levels and skill levels but the name of the game is fun for the competitors.
"It's designed so that everyone and anyone can participate," Purdie said. "It's such a great, supportive event and I know our team always has a lot of fun."
Purdie noted that 撸奶社区has been sending athletes to the event for close to 20 years and it attracts competitors from across the province. Athletes compete in track and field events, indoor gym events and wheelchair sports.
The 撸奶社区team this year is made up of Tyler McLeod, Rhinde Bylow, Nick McDermont, Terry Peech, Doreen Hyland, Adam King, Raeann Barton-Nahanee, Jeramy Boyd and Jesse Baver.
"My favourite part is the dancing and meeting lots of girls," Boyd said, adding that he's been going to the event since 1999. But he'll be busy competing in running, hurdling and jumping events.
"It'll be good and I'm looking forward to doing running, walking and biking," said McLeod.
McLeod will compete in running, walking, cycling and swimming events, but admitted he's looking forward to movie night and the dance.
"Tyler's mom told us he's so excited that he's been hardly able to sleep," Purdie said.
Bylow said she's mostly looking forward to the basketball competition but also will compete in running and jumping. She added that she's looking forward to the dance, the good food and meeting the other athletes.
Purdie and Cindy Cardiff have been helping the group prepare with regular weekly workouts, which Purdie said is a lot of fun for the group.
"We do stretching, pushups, sit-ups and I think they really love and look forward to the workouts," he said.
He pointed out that the group has more time to train thanks to 撸奶社区Savings, which is helping pay for the competitors' trip through a grant.
"That was a huge help for us and it shows just how supportive this community can be," he said.
Competition will start bright and early on Saturday (June 9), with awards and closing ceremonies taking place on Sunday (June 10). The nights will be filled with movie viewings, dances and other social activities for the athletes.
For more information on the event, visit www.trackshoes.ca.
