BARRY’S BAY – “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Special Olympics athletes recite this motto before every sporting event. It reminds athletes to find the courage to give it all they got. Students from Madawaska Valley District High School internalized this motto, and certainly gave it their all when they attended the 50th annual Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, held in Peterborough. Members of the Life Skills class ventured by bus to Peterborough, where they stayed overnight at Trent University. The local athletes took part in the opening ceremonies at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, and led the procession of more than 1,000 students to kick-off the games. “There were a lot of people there,” Michael McCloskey said. McCloskey, an athlete from MVDHS, carried the school’s banner during the opening ceremonies. He participated in a number of track and field events, including 100 and 200-metre runs, shot put, and the running long jump. Pick up a copy of the June 13, 2018 paper to read the full story.