Burnaby athletes twirled and curled to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games podium.
Local Special Olympians tallied two gold and a silver at the Calgary 2024 edition of the national games — both on the flattened and pebbled ice surface — that took place Feb. 27 to March 2.
Kristie Li, in her first-ever Special Olympics, was a figure skating force, returning home with two medals around her neck.
Li's grace and poise resulted in a gold medal in the singles 3A class. Her silver in ice dancing 1F singles was her first-ever Special Olympics medal.
"I felt pretty awesome....there's still room for me to go," said Li in a social media post. She was also the youngest B.C. athlete that competed last weekend.
"It's my first National Games....it means a lot. I feel honoured to be here and have a fun time!"
Li was recognized for her breakout campaign and was named the Special Olympics BC flag bearer for the closing ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Burnaby Wildcats never lost a match in its curling category at the Canada Winter Games.
The team compiled a record of 7-0-2, including a 9-4 comeback victory in the final over Ontario York South to claim the gold medal.
The 'Cats scored all nine points in the final three ends to win the Prairie Winds division.
"The Wildcats' journey to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 was marked by dedication, teamwork, and shared dreams of winning a gold medal at the national stage," coach Debra Colvin said in an email to the NOW.
Burnaby's team was led by skip Mary Armstrong, third April Armstrong, second Suzanne Armstrong, and leads Artisia Wong and Kim Davies.
The three medals were part of a total haul of 135 for Team BC, including 54 gold, 45 silver and 36 bronze.
