Cochrane will have representation on the world stage as a local Cross-Country Skier has been selected to head to the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Elouise Stewart made the Canadian team after finding success at the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

Stewart says she’s always had an incredible amount of support from the town

“I went last time, to South Korea, the town was very supportive of me,” she says. “I had a Canadian flag that a lot of people signed, and I took with me, it’s great to be able to do this again.”

She says it’s not just encouragement from the town, but also her love of sport that keeps her going.

“I love the feeling that I get when I’m competing, and when I’m physically active. If I didn’t have the sports I don’t think I would be able to keep going honestly."

Stewart will be very busy training for the next year, preparing for the upcoming games.

“I train a minimum of 4 times a week usually 5 times a week, 3 out of those times are out in Canmore, and I also train on the weekends.”

The Games will take place Mar 14-25 2017 in Graz, Schladming, Ramsau, and Schladming-Rohrmoos Austria.