Hundreds of athletes in Moncton for Special Olympics

Athletes from across the province and P.E.I. are in Moncton taking part in theNew Brunswick Special Olympics.

More than 420 athletes are competing in sports that include swimming, shot put, soccer, powerlifting, vocce ball, softball, bowling, track and field and golf with the help of their coaches.

But having family there to cheer them on is important as well, saysSoniaBreau,whose daughter Megan is taking part in the games, with brother Ryan as her coach.

"We're definitely pumped," Breau said. "We have a swimmer and we have our son, who is coaching with her, so it's quite a team.

"It's exciting to see them compete and have fun and see the results of all the year of swimming together with the whole team."

For Ryan, 14, being able to help is important.

"It helps build their confidence when they know they have good support, and people know that they can do well."

More than 100 volunteers are on hand to ensure the event runs smoothly in its return to Moncton for the first time in 11 years.

LorraineLeClair, chair of the games, said the athletes have a chance to qualify for the summer national games being held in Halifax in 2018.

ButNikkiMallet, 17, said that wasn't his focus.

"I got to be honest, I've not put in a lot of training."

He said he wasn't there to getstronger but to have fun.

"It's a competition yes, but we're here to have fun, for everyone to have a big party."

So far, his favourite part of the event was taking part in the parade.

"In the parade, when we were walking down the street, you know, we're us. We got noproblems. But obstacles, yeah, but so what? We're still people, you know."