The Pictou County Special Olympic hockey players are reigning champs.
The team won gold recently at the Special Olympic Provincial Games in Yarmouth defending their record as the best team in the province.
They won five games and lost one to capture gold.
Derek Saunders won the top goalie in the shootout competition for the B division.
Another highlight was when Justin Barnett scored his first goal of his career, said Special Olympics director Cathy Mason. His family was there to witness it and cheer him on.
“It’s one of those moments that always remind you why you do what you do,” Mason said. “It’s really kind of great for everybody.”
The Pictou County curling team also did well, winning silver with a record of three wins and two losses.
Due to the weather, Mason said the snowshoeing end of the competition had to be cancelled but she said they are hoping to organize an event locally and invite teams from Truro and the valley.
In total 26 people from Pictou County had gone to the games – 19 athletes and seven mission support staff and coaches.
With the bulk of the winter athletics over, Mason said they’ll be transitioning into their summer sports. This year’s competition will be important because it’ll be a qualifying year for national games.
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