Covy Moore/Rocky View Publishing

Special Olympics Airdrie is looking to expand its floor hockey program, one of its winter and spring sports. The practises take place Thursday evenings at Airdrie Middle School.

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Special Olympics looking to grow floor hockey program

Floor hockey is now in its second year as a program offered by Special Olympics Airdrie, and coaches are hoping to see the program grown in the coming years.

Coach Rob Moser, who spent 30 years teaching in Calgary Catholic School division, has spent the last two years coaching in the floor hockey program, and four in the softball program. He says being able to offer a number of sports is important as almost every athlete competes in every sport.

“The unique thing about the Airdrie athletes is they are all almost in all the sports that Airdrie offers,” said Moser. “They like each others company, they like to participate no matter what you offer them.”

Moser said he likes to participate both to support his son Tim, who is an athlete and to keep kids off the couch.

“I hope to implant a few things that I know, and that appreciation for the sport,” said Moser. “I can’t see kids sitting around being a couch potato. The people in (Special Olympics) are fabulous. The coaches work hard and love working with the athletes.”

Special Olympics Airdrie has been advertising and holding various fundraising events to ensure residents are aware of the different programming available, but Moser said the group would like to highlight floor hockey to get more athletes out Thursday evenings.

“We have had a few people come out just to watch. Go look at the website, find out when programs are offered and come have a visit. We are sure are open to having people come out and see how we work,” said Moser. “They will be quite surprised how much fun the athletes have.”

Moser said many residents of Airdrie are still a part of the Calgary Special Olympics Club even though the local group has been up and running for ?? years/months.

“I know there are a number of people who participate in Calgary with Special Olympics and continue to do that even through the Airdrie program has started,” said Moser. “Maybe over time, we will take over some of the bodies still driving south.”

For more information about Special Olympics Airdrie. visit the website at www.specialolympics.ab.ca/airdrie