Dynamic duo shines at local Special Olympics Championship
Twin brothers Cameron (Cam) and Maxwell (Max) Davidson were proud to compete at the recent Special Olympics Ontario School Championship in their hometown of Kingston. The 18-year-olds showcased their exceptional skills in track and field, proudly representing their high school, Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI).
In an interview, the brothers shared their journey to the 2023 Special Olympics Ontario School Championship.
The twins have been involved in track and field events since elementary school, but this was their first year competing in Special Olympics events. Throughout the academic year at LCVI, they participated in track and field meets, culminating in their qualification for the local high school track and field championship. Impressive performances at the local level secured their spots to compete at the provincial level in the highly sought-after Special Olympics Ontario School Championship.
The School Championships and Qualifiers Program offered by Special Olympics Ontario provides a space for high school student-athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in track and field, basketball, bocce, floor hockey, and soccer. Qualifying for this prestigious competition is coveted, with over 7,000 high school athletes across the province vying for a chance to participate in the annual Special Olympics Championship.
Cam and Max earned two spots among the 600 student athletes selected to compete in Ontario. They proudly joined around 30 LCVI students in the championship held in Kingston from June 6 to 8.
Representing the Lancers, Cam and Max both raced in the men’s 50-metre dash at the Special Olympics Ontario School Championship. Max secured himself a gold medal in the fiercely competitive race.
Cam and Max are also talented in the 100-metre dash and other field events. The twins have developed a healthy competition, as they often race against each other. When asked if they cheer each other on while racing, both young men laughed while acknowledging that they do not. “They are too busy competing against each other,” says Lisa, the twins’ proud mother. The brothers were cheered on by their parents at the championships.
In addition to competing, Cam and Max had the honour of participating in the championship’s closing ceremonies. They were entrusted with carrying the “Flame of Hope,” which represents courage and diversity and is present at all Special Olympic games. Working together, Cam and Max passed the torch to an athlete and representative from Chatham-Kent, the location of the 2024 provincial school championships. Max fondly recalls the experience, stating, “It felt fantastic to be with the Chief of Police.”
The twins are known as confident and calm competitors. Cam says they are dedicated to “training and working hard,” to achieve their goals on the track. To be a strong athlete and win a gold medal, says Max, “You must warm up first, and focus on staying in your lane on the track.”
Looking ahead, Cam and Max have their sights set on the 2024 Special Olympics Ontario School Championship. They eagerly anticipate spending the summer working at a local Kingston thrift store, YGK Thrift, and are excited to compete once again when the 2023/24 school year begins in September.
