Neil MacDonald - February 13, 2003
The Tournament Capital of Ontario "Athlete of the Week" is Neil MacDonald an OAC student at Pauline Johnson Collegiate who recently competed at the Ontario Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games in Barrie. Neil competed in the elite division of the downhill ski event winning a silver medal; he also won a silver medal in the Giant Slalom, and finished fourth in the slalom.
Neil has been training with the Mississauga Dream Team for the past four years and his race times now qualify him to compete in the Special Olympics National Winter Games next year in Nova Scotia.
He competed in the 1999 Winter Provincial Games in Timmins and although it was his first year competing his times placed him in the advanced division where he won a silver and bronze medal. Neil also enjoys Nordic cross-country skiing with his family.
In July 2002, Neil competed at the Special Olympics Summer Games held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan playing soccer on Team Ontario and helping his team win a bronze medal. Neil scored two goals in the final game.
Neil plays indoor/outdoor soccer for Brantford and was part of the Special Olympics team that won a bronze medal at the Provincial Summer Games in 2001.
Neil has been playing varsity soccer for the past four years at PJ.
Neil also plays on several other Special Olympics teams including basketball, floor hockey and softball. At PJ Neil has been a member of the Chess Club, the Impact Club, the Art Club and participated in a drama production. He has been involved with several co-op placements in the community and has an avid interest in woodworking.
Neil is hoping to continue his education in a hospitality or food preparation course at the college level.
Congratulations Neil. |
