Mr. Speaker, all of us have a tremendous respect for Special Olympians and the people involved with them. From October 2 to October 11, Special Olympics Canada sent a team of 83 athletes from across Canada to Shanghai, China to compete in the 2007 Special Olympics. The Canadian team did great, getting 112 medals.
One of the coaches for the team was from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Jackie Powell has been involved in Special Olympics for 11 years. She has coached at different levels, coaching in the Saskatchewan Summer Games and participating as a coach in various regional, provincial and national games.
The trip to Shanghai was her first trip internationally. Jackie was one of three Canadian associate swim coaches with the Canadian team and was the only associate coach from Saskatchewan.
The swim team brought home 35 medals: 9 gold, 19 silver and 8 bronze. I thank Jackie for her dedication and enthusiasm.