Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, BC - Hundreds of athletes, coaches and supporters are arriving in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows next week to be a part of the 2009 BC Disability Games. The Games will be held July 22-26 and feature sports that showcase the variety of competitive skills of athletes with disabilities in 5 & 10-pin bowling, lawn bowls, golf, and equestrian events. 

"The athletes have been training and preparing for the Games for some time," said Anita Perler, President of the 2009 Games Board of Directors. "Their dedication to their sport should inspire us all."

Siearra Morrisette, an athlete competing in the Games in equestrian, said "I'm really excited about the Games. And it's a great chance to meet other people with disabilities who are interested in competitive sports as well."

"The Games are a way for athletes with a disability to train and achieve success through competition sports," said Madeleine Anderson, Chair of the BC Disability Games Society, "but it's also a way to reach out to the overall community to build awareness about disabilities and create understanding."

The athletes represent 24 communities from across BC, from Vancouver Island to the Okanagan, and are supported by various organizations, including the BC Deaf Sports Federation, the BC Blind Sports & Recreation Association, Canadian Amputee Sports - BC, and the BC Therapeutic Riding Association. These organizations encourage physical activity for persons with disabilities by providing training, equipment, and support for competitive sports.

The competition and exhibition sports and events at the 2009 BC Disability Games will be held at venues throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, including Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre, Maple Ridge Lawn Bowling Centre, Whonnock Lake, Thornhill Park, Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, REVS Bowling Centre, Maple Ridge Secondary School, Pitt Meadows Paddling Club, Maple Ridge Seniors Centre, Swan-e-Set Resort and Country Club, Albion Fairgrounds, and Golden Ears Winter Club.

Citizens can join in "Celebrating the Spirit" of the 2009 BC Disability Games by attending events, the Games, and by registering to become a volunteer.  For complete listings of events and results and Games news, visit the website at www.disabilitygames2009.ca or contact the Games office at 604-466-0335 .

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