Meet the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games ambassadors

Strathcona County is excited to introduce its three new ambassadors for the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, taking place February 24 to 26. The combined energy of Madison Bailey-Borges, Declan Fawcett and Evan James are sure to generate excitement leading up to the Games, as well as foster feelings of connectedness between athletes and the community. 

“As athletes, Madison, Declan and Evan bring expertise and enthusiasm to their roles as Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games ambassadors,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “We are appreciative of Pembina’s support to help amplify voices to ensure we have an inclusive community where everyone is welcome to enjoy a range of recreation and culture-based experiences.”   

The uniquely developed ambassador positions are part of an inclusion sponsorship developed between Strathcona County and Pembina Pipeline Corporation. The sponsorship supported the County hiring three ambassadors to attend and speak at events, interview athletes and act as a liaison between the athlete experience and the Games committee.  

Madison is from Sherwood Park and has previously competed at the Provincial Summer Games in Medicine Hat for golf and Provincial Winter Games in Calgary for figure skating; she also enjoys soccer and snowshoeing.  “What I am looking forward to the most is cheering on my friends and being an influencer and advocate for those with intellectual disabilities,” says Madison. “It is cool that the Games will be in the community in which I live!” 

Declan is from St. Albert and his sports are floor hockey, bowling, curling and golf. He previously competed in the 2019 Winter Games in Calgary. “For me, inclusion in sport means that athletes with special needs can play just like regular people do,” says Declan. 

Evan is from Parkland County and his sports are speed skating, floor hockey, soccer, softball, track and field, swimming and cross-country skiing. He has a lot of experience in competing as he has participated in eight Provincial Games, five National Games, one Worlds Games, two Western Canada Games and one Canada Games. “I enjoy part-time construction work framing houses, camping, biking, water skiing, wake boarding and building Lego Technic vehicles,” says Evan. “I hope to keep learning to train, compete and stay healthy.” 

The community is encouraged to say hello to the ambassador team attending various community events and projects throughout Strathcona County. Visit strathcona.ca/ambassadors to learn more and watch short introductory videos featuring Madison, Declan and Evan.

The ambassadors will also be meeting with County staff to share information about the Games, as well highlighting inclusion in sport and using Words with Dignity. To help promote respect among those involved with Special Olympics, the community is also encouraged to familiarize themselves with Special Olympics Canada’s language guidelines online at specialolympics.ca/language-guidelines.

The 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games will take place in Strathcona County from February 24 to 26. Please visit strathcona.ca/soa2023 for more information, including volunteer opportunities.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595