Trisha Shanks
Arrow Lakes News
Alpine skier Jo Blackman did so well at the regionals last year that he is headed to the provincials later this month. Blackman and his coach Eric Waterfield leave on Feb. 19 for Kamloops where he will compete against 40 other athletes.
“He’ll be competing in alpine skiing — the slalom, giant slalom, super G and downhill,” Waterfield said.
Jo Blackman, who has an intellectual disability, started skiing in elementary school. He has been working with Waterfield for around eight years, since the age of 19.
“I’m excited about going away. I get to ski on a bigger hill with chair lifts, and socialize over the weekend,” said Blackman. He’s feeling the pressure to perform though and admits he has more fun when he’s not competing.
Nationals are held every four years. Blackman will be one of about 80 athletes competing in the skiing events. The Special Olympics is for individuals with intellectual disabilities and not to be confused with the Paralympics, which is for individuals with physical limitations.
According to their website, Special Olympics BC provides “high-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to help them enrich their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences.”
