The Special Olympics Yukon team arrived in Calgary Monday for the Canada Winter Games.

Special Olympics Yukon Executive Director Serge Michaud provided an update.

"Yukon's Team was greeted by a very enthusiastic group of Games volunteers at YYC (Calgary airport) around 9 a.m. this morning.

"The team was excited to see their athletes village, shared with Team Québec.

"After getting familiarized with their surroundings, each sport team had meetings to get updated with their respective schedule in the coming days.

"This is what tomorrow (Tuesday) looks like:

"Due to the cold temps, cross country skiing practice has been cancelled. Although disappointing, the skiers get it. It's pretty cold out there." (The temperature in Calgary Tuesday morning was -21º C, with a wind chill of -29º. However, 7º C is forecast for Wednesday.)

"The 5-Pin bowlers and our lone figure skater, Mike Sumner, have scheduled practices during the daytime. Mike, Tanya (Sage, figure skating head coach) and Teresa (Wallace, figure skating mission staff) are super-excited as 1988 Calgary Olympic silver medalist Elizabeth Manley will be attending the figure skating practice session." (According to Wikipedia, Manley is also the 1988 World Championship silver medalist and a three-time Canadian national champion.)

"The curlers have a little business to take care of as they have three "2-end" divisional matches against Alberta (Grande Prairie), Ontario (Barrie) and B.C. (Burnaby). These matches will help determine which division our curling squad will be participating in.

"In the evening, Special Olympics Yukon's Team 24 will be walking into the Opening Ceremonies, led by flag bearer Brandle Bruneau. Apparently, the team is in store for an incredible show, which is sure to get everyone pumped up for the week's competition!"

– Submitted by Special Olympics Yukon Executive Director Serge Michaud