Paul Oldridge is packed up and ready to head east as Cochrane's representative at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

He is the only athlete from Cochrane travelling to Antigonish, Nova Scotia to compete in one of nine sports represented at the Summer Games being held July 31st to August 4th. While Oldridge has been competing as a Special Olympics athlete for 24 years and has competed in the Winter Games before, this is the first time he has been selected to represent Team Alberta at the Olympic Summer Games.

Trading cross-country skis and curling rocks for golf clubs; Oldridge is one of seven golfers on the Team Alberta roster and one of 41 golfers competing altogether.

With 12 years of golf experience under his belt, Oldridge shoots a pretty good game. Averaging a score of 57, Oldridge is looking forward to the competition and having fun. "I am hoping to win but I'm just going to do my best."

Heading to the course a few times a week to hone his skills, winter training has been a challenge. "Over the winter has been a little difficult because the golf course isn't really open but I was hitting golf balls at the Golf Dome in Calgary."

Paul's not really nervous about flying out on Sunday (July 29), and is pretty excited to check out Nova Scotia. "I've been to PEI in the wintertime but I haven't been to Nova Scotia before."

Oldridge will be making the trip with his dad, Bob, and will connect with his mom, sister, and aunt who are travelling separately to cheer him on. 

Good luck Paul, the Cochrane community will also be cheering you on and wishing you the best.