Coquitlam athletes help B.C. Tigers win softball gold at Special Olympics Canada Games

Coquitlam athletes helped the B.C. Tigers win gold in their softball division at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, held Aug. 11 to 15 in Medicine Hat, Alta.

Twenty-four athletes and seven coaches from Coquitlam attended the Games. More than 244 athletes with intellectual or developmental disabilities represented B.C., alongside 75 volunteer coaches and 22 mission staff, competing in 10 sports.

Twelve softball teams entered the tournament. B.C. Tigers player Terrance Poirier, 63, said it was an honour to represent the province. The first- and second-baseman has been with the team for four years and says he continues to improve.

Head coach Noah Musgrave said the gold-medal result reflected years of friendships and teamwork for players who have competed together in Coquitlam. He said seeing athletes progress from local tournaments at McLean Park in Port Coquitlam to the national event was especially meaningful.