Thunder Bay Games a First for Two Siblings from Rosetown, MB
Jonah Ginter was full of excited energy as he sat at the airport waiting to board his flight for Thunder Bay. The 16 year old snowshoe athlete from Rosetown was anticipating his first ever National Games experience; but he wasn't alone. Across from him, his sister, snowshoe assistant coach Shania Ginter, was just as excited for her first Games experience as well.
The happy siblings are experiencing a few firsts together this week: their first plane ride, first National Games, and first time traveling together without their parents.
"Our parents are very excited that we both have this opportunity. We both want to thank them for all of their support and we hope we can make them proud," said Shania.
Shania is the newly appointed Head Coach of the Altona Panthers, where brother Jonah participates. She has been volunteering with Special Olympics in the Central Region for 3 years now and her advice for anyone who may be considering volunteering is simple: "You just gotta do it. It's such a great experience and we always need more volunteers."
What she's most looking forward to this week, aside from sharing it all with her brother, is getting to see all the athletes on Team Toba succeed, and all of the connections and memories she knows she will make.
Jonah, a big smile plastered on his face, had a similar answer.
"I'm just so excited to be there and to be a part of the Team. I've never had an experience like this before and I'm ready to do my best," he said. "I want to thank all of my family and friends for supporting me and I can't wait to make them proud."
We can't wait to see how this dynamic duo does this week. Good luck Jonah and Shania!