It was a memorable send off for a London, Ont. athlete.
“I’m going to Turin (Italy) next month to compete in alpine skiing,” said Ben So.
The Special Olympian is going to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games beginning March 8, 2025.
He earned the berth after a strong showing during the 2024 Canadian Games in Calgary, Alta.
“I ended up qualifying for the World Games because I got two golds and a silver,” said So.
So is one of 23 Canadian and five Ontario athletes in alpine skiing, but the only one from the London area. He’s ramped up his training in preparation for the games.
“I do two per week right here at Boler [Mountain] and I do some weight training at the at the YMCA,” said So.
That extra work is something new for So, but he’s feeling stronger.
“He is out every single week without fail,” said Carole Metron, So’s coach with the London team. “He’s dedicated to his craft, and he won some medals, so that’s definitely, one of the most important things. But for Special athletes, we have to make sure that they’re able to be away from home for the length of time that they’re going to be away from family, friends and routine. Routine is really important for many of the special athletes, specifically Ben, but he scores 100 per cent on that.”
He’s excited about the travel and has been keeping an eye on the course and conditions overseas.
“The hills and the slopes are very high,” said So. “I saw that when I watched the women’s ski tournament. The temperature will be minus three or four so it’s not extreme cold there.”
He came home from the Calgary Games last winter with three medals, and he’s hoping to do the same in Turin. Even if he doesn’t medal, he’ll stay true to himself.
“I could try my best,” said So.
