Cochrane will be well represented at the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games next week in Calgary.

Both Elouise Stewart and Brock Jesse from the Bow Valley Special Olympic team have been named to Team Alberta in cross-country skiing. 

“We started off with our provincial games where we all qualified to go to nationals and these are our national games,” says Elouise Stewart. “If we qualify here, we are able to go on to world games which are going to be in Italy.”

Kicking off on February 27, 2024, the games are expecting over 4,000 visitors, including athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators.

Stewart will be competing in the 5 km free skate and both the 7.5 and 10 km classic skate. Jesse will be showcasing his skills in three events, the 2.5, 5 and 7 km free skate.

Jesse says all their training has been leading up to these games. “Over the course of this last year, we’ve been doing a lot of dry land and on snow training and had training camps and a lot of training sessions this season.”

When it comes to a goal, the pair have one word in mind.

“Gold,” laughs Stewart.

The cross-country ski events begin Wednesday, February 28 at Confederation Park at 10:00 a.m.