The Tribune

IN keeping with Scotiabank’s social responsibility platform - Young People in the Community - which supports opportunities to give back to youth, the bank hosted more than 100 Special Olympics athletes to a fun day again this year.

Scotiabank employee volunteers and Adventure Learning Centre (ALC) staff led the athletes on guided tours of the ALC which included a stop at the petting zoo where they interacted with animals like rabbits, goats, and ponies, observing the porcupines only from afar.

Throughout the day, the music-loving athletes sang and danced along to the DJ’s tracks in their usual high-spirited style. They also challenged face painters to create varied artistic renderings based on personal preferences. The Special Olympics participants enjoyed the facility’s playground, particularly gliding down the giant red slide and climbing on the ropes. They eagerly boarded the train for a safari style ride through the bushes, assisting with mobility by making choo-choo sounds.

“Scotiabank is committed to helping youth in our community become better off,” said Maxine Seymour, manager of sponsorships and philanthropy at Scotiabank. “These athletes are special to us and our employees are passionate about volunteering to spend quality time with them in a fun-filled setting each year.”

Athletes also watched a show in the planetarium before a catered lunch and ended the day at the ice cream truck for a cone of their favourite flavour.