Kelowna cross-country skier named Special Olympics Athlete of the Year

In his 13th years as a Special Olympian, Kelowna's Francis Stanley has become the nation's top athlete.

He was named Special Olympics Canada’s Athlete of the Year during National Awards Night on Nov. 1.

Leading up to the nomination, Stanley won multiple gold medals as a cross-country skier in national and international competitions, and was selected to play for Special Olympics Team Canada, according to a press release about his award.

“I would like to thank my coaches Garth, Ray, Les, Adam, and my mom Annabel who helped me choose a healthy lifestyle and to be a mentor to other skiers,” he said in his acceptance speech.

READ MORE: Vernon Special Olympics club allows athletes to focus on achievements

Stanley’s coaches, friends, and family members marvel at how determined he is in reaching his goals, in addition to how he roots for his teammates to do the same, according to the release.

As well as being the 2022 Athlete of the Year, Stanley was also given a 2022 SOBC Athletic Achievement Award, which recognized him for being an inspiring members of B.C.’s Special Olympics community.

A video of the awards ceremony can be viewed here.

Congratulations to Francis Stanley, of #WestKelowna, who won the 2022 Special Olympics Canada 2022 Athlete of the Year award! Good luck this season Francis! ????
https://t.co/vTJq6eh37q #bcpoli @SpecialOCanada

— Ben Stewart (@benstewartbc) November 23, 2022

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