Local Swimmers Take Medals at the Special Olympic Provincial

Four local swimmers shine bright at the Special Olympic Provincial Competition in Pierrefonds, on June 6th.

Locals Meghan Condie, Cindy Lou Scott, Stéphanie Latreille and Francesca C. Vachon are triumphant after participating in the OSQ Quebec Special Olympics in Pierrefonds on June 6th at the Briarwood Swimming Pool. Hailing from Dewittville, Moonlight Lake, Valleyfield and Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka respectively, the four athletes practice at the Cité des Arts et des Sports pool in Valleyfield at least once a week, working closely with trainer France Carrière-Vachon and coach Luc Lauzon.

After swimming in the Vancouver Special Olympics last year, local Meghan Condie kept up the momentum at this year’s provincial competition, winning two gold medals and a bronze in her division. Fellow competitor Cindy Lou Scott brought home two gold medals and a silver in her category. This was the Moonlight Lake resident’s second time competing in the provincials. Her teammate, Stéphanie Latreille, won two gold medals in the competition. Formerly of Huntingdon and Saint-Anicet, the Valleyfield resident has actively participated in the Special Olympics for the past 19 years. Latreille is no stranger to winning—she brought home a silver medal in bowling at the nationals in Vancouver last year. (All four of the athletes are avid bowlers, and Latreille is also accomplished in bocce). Daughter of trainer France Carrière-Vachon, Francesca C. Vachon won the gold medal in her class. The Saint-Stanislas resident is also an accomplished golfer and skier.

The athletes, who are members of the Club Aquatique Salaberry, are long-time friends, with Condie, Scott and Latreille originally connecting through Melissa’s Sunshine Camp. The local non-profit is an organization dedicated to establishing programs and activities for handicapped individuals within the Chateauguay Valley community.

Like the Olympics, the Special Olympics are held every four years, while the provincials are held every two years. According to Scott’s foster mother, Colleen Kelly, the community can look forward to great things from the dedicated athletes in the future. Way to go Meghan, Cindy Lou, Francesca and Stéphanie!