CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI— Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie took the opportunity today to congratulate Prince Edward Island’s Special Olympics Curling Team, who will be receiving the  2012 Special Olympics Canada Team of the Year award Thursday evening in Toronto.

Photo: (L-R):: Monique Gauthier (lead), Greg St. John (skip), Minister Doug Currie, Ann Doucette (assistant coach) and Dick St. John (coach). Photo credit: Brian Simpson, PEI Gov’t

“It has been a phenomenal year for this team,” said Minister Currie. “They have exemplified the spirit of fair play, excellence and inclusiveness. As Minister responsible for Sport, I want to congratulate these tremendous athletes, as well as their coaches and their families.”

The PEI Special Olympics curling team consists of:

• Dick St. John (coach)

• Ann Doucette (assistant coach)

• Monique Gauthier (lead)

• Chris MacPherson (second)

• Phillip Chugg (mate)

• Greg St. John (skip)

• John Anthony Laybolt (5th player)

The team started the year winning gold at the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games this past February. In May, they were named PEI Curling’s Team of the Year, and this Thursday, they will be in Toronto to receive their award as 2012 Special Olympics Canada’s Team of the Year.

“Our department is a proud supporter of Special Olympics PEI and their mission to ensure that every Islander with an intellectual disability has access to sport and recreation programs,” said Minister Currie.

For more information on Special Olympics PEI, visit their website www.sopei.com.