The 2008 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Quebec City saw a first for Newfoundland and Labrador as the province entered a figure skater in competition. Mark Ellsworth, a young skater from Corner Brook, was well prepared and up to the task as he competed against skaters from across Canada. Although Mark did not make it to the medal podium he did demonstrate to fellow skaters, judges and coaches that he will be around for many years to come competing in Canada Winter Games. His program demonstrated hard work and a desire for skating and the effects of some great coaching over the past months.Mark's coach, Yvette, in Corner Brook could not make it to Quebec due to prior commitments to other skaters involved in provincial competition. As a result Mark was able to receive some assistance from a Nova Scotia, Michaela Pittman. Mark was accepted by her and the whole N. S. Team as one of their own. Besides adjusting to this, Mark was a member of the 24 athletes on Team NL, only two of which he had met before. By mid week Mark was on a first term basis with almost everybody and he was having the time of his life. He indicated to me that this was the best trip he had ever been on.
When we look back on the week of competition in figureskating we can only do so with great pride at what Mark had accomplished. He was the first and by next games Mark will not be the lone skater from NL. Already Mark is talking to his coach about plans for the next games to be held in 2012. So we are sure to hear much more from Mark in years to come.
Joe Philpott
Mission Staff
