April 19, 2007 РMs. Deborah Right, President and CEO of Special Olympics Canada, and Mr. Roch L. Dub̩, CEO of the 2008 Quebec City National Winter Games (SOC) and President and CEO of the Bell Nordiq Group and President of Bell Aliant. Quebec, officially announced that Quebec City will host the 2008 National Winter Games (SOC). Among those present when the announcement was made included Ms. M̩lanie Turgeon and Mr. Philippe Laroche, the official spokespeople for the event, and Mr. Pierre Boulanger, President and Director General of the Soci̩t̩ du 400e anniversaire de Qu̩bec.

The 7th National Winter Special Olympics will be held in Quebec City from February 26 to March 1, 2008, as part of the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of the provincial capital. “We are pleased that Quebec City is the first city in the province to host the National Winter Games. This is an opportunity for our athletes to discover a wonderful urban centre and participate in a major competition during which some of them may be selected to represent Canada at the 2009 International Special Winter Olympics in Idaho,” said Ms. Deborah Right, President and CEO of Special Olympics Canada. “In Canada, over 31 000 athletes take part in the many training and competition programs we offer, thanks to the dedication and support of approximately 10 000 coaches and volunteers.” “We are proud to be part of the program for Quebec City’s 400th anniversary celebrations. The National Winter Games (SOC) will allow athletes and coaches to experience an event that is rewarding at both the sporting and human levels,” said Mr. Roch Dubé, CEO of the 2008 Quebec City National Winter Games (SOC) and President and CEO of the Bell Nordiq Group. “The Games will boost the local economy by creating direct spin-offs of more than $5 million.” The following sports have officially been included in the official program of the 2008 Quebec City National Winter Games (SOC): curling, indoor hockey, figure skating, speed skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Special Olympics stands out from other organizations by the manner in which it structures its competitions. The athletes compete in small groups comprising other athletes of similar ability; this is known as “divisioning”. Everything possible is done to create the most equitable conditions for the athletes with a view to maximizing their enjoyment and personal development.