A surprise becomes a big surprise when it involves a trip to Toronto to compete in a high-level athletic event. That's the surprise that the Humboldt and Area Special Olympics Floor Hockey Squad received on Monday, March 11th during the recognition ceremony at City Hall.

Coach Brian Reifferscheid announced that the provincial winning floor hockey team had been selected to attend the World Youth Games in Toronto this coming May. Reifferscheid explains that the tournament coincides with the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics in Ontario. He states, "They're holding this tournament in Toronto in May and we've been picked by Saskatchewan Special Olympics to  represent Saskatchewan at that tournament." The team was selected by virtue of their provincial win and their goals for and against record. 

The World Youth Games will see 2,500 athletes and coaches from seven international regions meet for competition in five sports. 

Reifferscheid states that travel and accommodations will be covered by grants from Special Olympics in Canada and Saskatchewan and that the team will be doing some fundraising for other incidentals.

When the athletes found out about the impending competition, the gallery in council chambers jumped with joy. The group of dedicated athletes who have accomplished so much will now have an opportunity to test themselves on the world stage. The tournament is slated for May 13th to 17th in Toronto.