BARRY’S BAY – The March 21 Madawaska Valley Township council meeting started off on a positive note, as local Special Olympian Devin McGrath was congratulated for securing gold and silver at the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
Devin, sporting the two medals around his neck, attended the recent meeting with his dad, Conway and mom Anita. The snowshoer competed in the national games held in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and secured a gold medal in the five-kilometre race and silver in the 800-metre race.
While the family is still waiting for results from other countries around the world, it’s likely that Devin will be heading to Vienna, Austria to represent Canada in the 2017 Special Olympics World Games.
“He’s qualified but he has to be confirmed,” his mom Anita said.
Mayor Kim Love congratulated Devin and donated $100 to help get Devin to the world games.
“On behalf of council and our community, I would like to acknowledge Devin’s skill and training and hard work and offer him our congratulations and best wishes on every success when he competes in Vienna,” Love said. “I hope our community will be generous and find ways to help Devin too.”
She handed Devin a municipal pin, a toque, a hat and a certificate of achievement.
“For his trip to Corner Brook, the community has been fantastic – financially and morally supportive,” Anita said.
The 196 Ontarian athletes that competed in the national games won a total of 211 medals.
Get your March 23, 2016 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.