200 athletes in action Saturday in support of Special Olympics

It was a day of sport for a good cause.

Motionball marathon of sport Saskatoon raised money for Saskatchewan Special Olympics Saturday.

About 18 teams got to play 10 different sports at Aden Bowman Collegiate.

“We didn’t know everybody on our team, but it’s been a blast,” Kelsey Stromberg said. “It was an awesome day seeing all the energy from the athletes.”

Each team had a special Olympian join them for a day of soccer, ultimate frisbee, flag football, and even bocce.

“Matt (Our special Olympian) is just killing it,” Carley McGregor said. “He is having the best time. He’s scored a couple of goals, got quite a few baskets, he’s just amazing.”

Over 200 athletes joined in on the fun.

“This is the third year that I’ve done it,” Cossy Nachilobe said. “It’s my favourite day of the year and is the best time.”

The event is actually only in Saskatoon, but a lot of the athletes want to see it move down to Regina.

“I would go down to Regina in a heartbeat,” McGregor said. “They got to do it.”

The head office is in the Queen City and it’s something the CEO of Special Olympics Saskatchewan has been trying to push for a few years.

“Shame away,” Faye Matt said. “I can say that because I’m from Regina and know a lot of folks would love it.”

The marathon raised $39,000 last year and they hoped to hit $41,000 this year (total raised wasn’t available before press time).

The motionball marathon happens across the country.