Seven athletes from the Yukon are heading to the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in St. Albert, Alta.

It marks the largest winter games contingent from any Canadian chapter north of 60.

The seven athletes will be competing in three different sports, and gathered at the Yukon Inn on Thursday night for a send-off.

The large team is not the only history being broken this year.

The Yukon will also be sending a curling team for the first time.

The team is composed of lead, Chris Lee, second, Gaetan Michaud, third, Darin Lucas, and skip, Colin Sterriah. They will be coached by Brant Gibbon and Bill Wasylenko.

"The team has been training hard, three to four times a week,” said Serge Michaud, executive director of the Special Olympics.

"They're very excited to get there and compete.”

Yukon will also be sending a cross-country skiing team and a figure skater.

Athletes Garry Chaplin and Owen Munroe will be skiing the trails and will be lead by head coach Leah Greenway.

Michael Sumner, the youngest athlete, will be competing in figure skating and has been training with coach Michelle Gorczyca.

A dedicated mission staff that includes Amber Church, Janin Peters, Grand McDonald and Serge Michaud supports the athletes.

"I'm thrilled to be taking the team, they've been working hard on their fitness programs and they've all improved by leaps and bounds over the last two months,” said Church, Special Olympics program director.

"Their commitment has been fantastic and they are all going to do great jobs in Alberta.”

The youngest athlete is, Michael Sumner, who will be competing in figure skating.

Sumner has been a Special Olympics athlete for the past six years and he said he's eager to showcase his abilities in Alberta and excited to work with the team.

"I like to do all the training and getting to meet people like these guys, team Yukon,” he said.

Elaine Taylor, Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Mayor Bev Buckway were on hand to wish the team good luck.

"What an honour to be chosen to represent team Yukon on the international stage,” Taylor told the athletes.

Taylor also praised the teams dedication to the Games.

"The enthusiasm, the spirit, and the heart we have here is greater than any other jurisdiction in the country,” she said.

Buckway highlighted the unique opportunity the athletes have in representing the Territory.

"Our athletes know they are ambassadors for the Yukon and the Special Olympics, a lot of people don't get these opportunities,” she said. "It's a great adventure and I know they will have an absolutely wonderful time.”

The ceremony was capped with the announcement of the flag bearer for the team.

Darrin Lucas, a member of the curling team, will have the honour in this year's Games.

He was presented the flag by last year's flag bearer, Cole Robinson-Boivin.

The Games will run from Feb. 28th to March 3rd.