Anneka Callary, from left, Kellan Deruelle, Marie Claude McMahon, Sabrina Sanson and Tara Black voiced both nervousness and excitement as they prepare to compete at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. They were celebrated during a send-off on Aug. 6. Contributed/Special Olympics Nova ScotiaArticle contentFive athletes from Cape Breton will join the rest of Team Nova Scotia at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., from Aug. 11-15.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAmongst them are four soccer players and one track-and-field athlete, as well as soccer coach Donna White and powerlifting coach Melissa Nearing.Article contentArticle content“It’s really a historical team,” said White. “They’ve never had a female soccer team represent Nova Scotia before and competed in a women’s soccer division at nationals. That’s a big step.”Article contentArticle contentThe soccer players from Cape Breton are Tara Black, Sabrina Sanson, Marie Claude McMahon, and Kellan Deruelle. Most of the soccer players have been playing for over a decade or more.Article content Tara Black is one of four soccer players competing with Team Nova Scotia in Medicine Hat, Alta., next week. Contributed/Special Olympics Nova ScotiaArticle content“I’m definitely excited,” said Black, a defender who has played soccer for over 15 years.Article contentWhen asked about what has kept her involved in the support, she said, “Friends.”Article contentSanson, who plays either winger or defence, has been playing for around 19 years. She identified a few reasons why she’s played the sport for so long.Article content Sabrina Sanson, who plays both as a winger and defence, voices excitement in going to Medicine Hat, Alta., for the competition from Aug. 11-15. Contributed/Special Olympics Nova ScotiaArticle content“I like the sport, I like staying healthy, and I like meeting new people,” said Sanson.Article contentMcMahon, a goalie with experience in several other positions, answered similarly to Black, saying it was a sense of fun that led her to play for over 20 years.Article content Marie Claude McMahon has been playing soccer for about 20 years in various positions. Nowadays, she enjoys playing as a goalie. Contributed/Special Olympics Nova ScotiaArticle contentDeruelle said she was mostly excited, but also a little nervous.Article content Kellan Deruelle says she is a little nervous to play in the national competition, but is mostly excited to meet new people and play with Team Nova Scotia. Contributed/Special Olympics Nova ScotiaArticle contentAnneka Callary will represent the region in track and field. She said she started athletics around four years ago. Her favourite activities are the 100-metre and 200-metre run, and long jumping.Article contentArticle content“Just hanging out with my friends is what I’m looking forward to,” she said.Article content Anneka Callary is part of the Team Nova Scotia athletics group competing at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Contributed/Special Olympics Nova ScotiaArticle contentSUPPORTING EACH OTHERArticle contentSome of these athletes attend Cape Breton Special Olympics events more than once a week, whether it be for their regular soccer practice or matches, or in other sports and activities.Article content“A number of the athletes who were here tonight for practice were playing tennis last night,” said White.Article contentThis has led to some close friendships, ones that have only expanded as the athletes get to know their Team Nova Scotia teammates from across the province through shared practices, video calls, and more.Article content“I think this is what sport is meant to be about. Supporting each other, really cheering each other on,” said White.Article contentBeing the first women’s soccer team from Nova Scotia competing in the Special Olympics makes this a great opportunity for these athletes to form connections with other women, empowering each other both on and off the field.Article content“Even just being there and having the opportunity to compete with other females, to build confidence in their skill and to cheer one another on and have fun, make memories,” said White. “Those are the big things for me, having a positive experience while they’re there.“
Cape Breton athletes competing in Special Olympics Canada Summer Games
