Family and friends of Michael Van Ootenghem were joined by Flames Captain Mikael Backlund and other dignitaries to honour his memory and raise money at a floor hockey game on Feb. 28.
Van Ooteghem was hoping to volunteer for this year’s Special Olympics before he tragically passed away last year after being struck by a train after attending a Flames game. In his memory, family and friends organized the game to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Backlund was joined at a ceremonial faceoff by Tsuut’ina Leader, Minor Chief Tyson Heavenfire, Andrew Van Ooteghem, Michael’s brother, and Martin Kudla, Michael’s friend, for a ceremonial puck drop.
After the puck dropped, the Calgary Flames Foundation and the Special Olympics Calgary Hurricanes played a mini-floor hockey match.
The Flames foundation team included five current Calgary Flames players: Brayden Pachal, Dennis Gilbert, Kevin Rooney, Mikael Backlund, and Rasmus Andersson.
The whole event showcased the joy and passion for sports held at the Special Olympics.
Ontario was crowned first place in the Rocky Mountain division during the Special Olympics grand awards ceremony. Following Ontario, Alberta was in second place, Manitoba third place, and British Columbia fourth.
From Alpine Skiing to 5-pin Bowling, everyone demonstrated the determination and spirit held in Special Olympic sports.
