Colby Bell’s passion for alpine skiing has led to a spot on Canada’s national team heading to the World Winter Games in Russia.
“On behalf of Special Olympics Canada, we wish to congratulate you on your selection to the National Team Program Alpine Skiing Training Squad for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan,” read the letter received by Colby Bell and his family in January of this year.
Being selected to represent Canada as part of the national team competing in Russia was a huge honour for the Vernon resident, and the culmination of a journey that began many years before.
Growing up in a family of skiers in Revelstoke, a love of the slopes came naturally. “Our kids were going to ski no matter what. Colby started when he was around four years old,” says his mum Debbie Bell. “His dad would take him between his knees and take him down the hills.”
Nurturing his passion for skiing, Colby soon became involved with both the Special Olympics and the Disabled Skiers programs. He honed his skills tethered to his instructors, then holding on to a pole with an instructor on each end where he learned to stop and turn, and eventually on his own. “As far as he’s concerned, straight down the hill is perfect,” says Debbie.
Colby’s skills led to success in competitions, but Debbie emphasizes it has always been the joy of the sport and the camaraderie that’s most important, “He could care less if he won a ribbon. Of course he has them, but he’s just as happy for everyone else when they win them as well. He’s a great ambassador that way. He really is a fun guy to have around and is always extremely polite.”
Colby’s long-time coach Karen Truesdale echoes that sentiment, “Colby is always enthusiastic and positive and a joy to coach. He works very hard to master new skills and likes to share tips with his teammates. He has fun whether on the ski hill, in the gym, or on the dance floor.”
Even though the pandemic has limited some opportunities to meet in person, Colby has been able to connect virtually with his fellow Team Canada athletes across the country. They have regular Zoom calls and then break out into smaller groups based on their specific sports. He’s also been keeping active and doing lots of physical training at home. Once training squad members complete their official training obligations, they become members of the national team.
Although the World Winter Games in Kazan have now been pushed back from 2022 to early 2023 due to the pandemic, Colby remains excited to compete, support his teammates and represent his country on the world stage.
