The Northern District Athlete of the Month for February is Douglas Bourgeault from SOO-Hearst. Douglas demonstrated great courage and dedication to his craft this winter while preparing for the National Winter Games. The Games required that all speed skaters wear long blades as opposed to the hockey skates that Douglas has always used to compete. In Douglas' mind their was little doubt that he would be able to achieve this and he worked diligently all season to adapt to the new skates. He ended up competing and winning 3 silver medals at the Games. Congratulations Douglas on all your accomplishments!

The Northern District Volunteer of the Month for February is SOO-Sudbury Vice Coordinator Ron Roy. Ron has been active in the Sudbury community for over 20 years. He was an integral part of introducing many new sports into the area. Ron was often seen coaching and volunteering with the Sudbury snowshoeing, floor hockey, baseball and track and field teams. Thank you Ron for all your years of dedication to the Special Olympics movement!

The Northern District Volunteer of the Month for January is Jean Marc Leclerc from Timmins, Jean Marc has been volunteering with SOO-Timmins for 13 years. While he is often seen lending a hand around the bowling alley, Jean Marc is also the Head Coach of the Timmins Dolphins swim program and the Timmins Alpine Ski Team. His hard work and dedication to SOO-Timmins is greatly appreciated by all! Congratulations, Jean Marc, on your accomplishments!

The Northern District Athlete of the Month for January is Eric Landry from SOO-Superior in Region 8. Eric has been a member of their community since its inception in 2000. He is a dedicated athlete, who participates in all sports offered by SOO-Superior. Eric will be attending his first Provincial Spring Games in Kingston this year after qualifying in 5-Pin Bowling. Congratulations Eric, and we wish you the best of luck!

I’d like to introduce your new District Developer for Northern Ontario Jarrod Copland. Jarrod received his degree from Laurentian University in Sudbury in Sports Administration & brings with him a solid background and understanding of sport. Jarrod is a hockey and lacrosse enthusiast. Having played, coached and officiated in both these sports, Jarrod has had the opportunity to experience sport at all levels; hence giving him and exceptionally well rounded perspective of sport. Currently, Jarrod is the coach of the Sudbury Minor AAA Wolves.   Through his involvement in sports, other volunteer organizations, his education and past work experience with the Ottawa Senators, I am confident that Jarrod has all the skills and experiences necessary to make an easy transition into Special Olympics Ontario & primarily Northern Ontario.