(Gold medalist Michael Raytchev (centre); Bronze medalist Jeff Leung (left); and Silver medalist Eric Pahima (right))
The award of medals for the Special Olympics Figure Skating category of the 2019 Canada Games have taken place with Michael Raytchev of the Goulbourn Skating Club taking the gold. His two competitors, Jeff Leung won bronze and Eric Pahima winning the silver. Both of these young men represented Team B.C.
Eric, Jeff and Michael did not know each other prior to these Games, but quickly became good friends and cheered for each other during their individual performances. These young athletes have shown Canadians what it is to demonstrate true sportsmanship!
What is so exceptional for Michael is the fact that this was the first time he had participated nationally and a first for skating in front of an audience. I’m sure that Michael’s Coach, Cathy Skinner, is extremely proud of her young protégé.
All photos are shared from the official 2019 Canada Games web site.
(Another photo of the podium medalists)
(Group photo of all the Gold medalists in figure skating)
(All of the Special Olympians who medaled in figure skating)
(We’re not sure what Michael was doing in the following photos, other than enjoying the moment! The Red Deer photographers certainly enjoyed the moves too by including them in the official collage of photos. We hope you enjoy them as well.)
