Since they didn’t have ice hockey at the Michigan Winter Special Olympics Jan. 29, Drew McDonald of Clarkston tried the next best thing.
McDonald, 14, an eighth grader at Sashabaw Middle School, won a gold medal in the 100 meter speed skating competition and a silver medal in the 300 meter speed skating competition at the Special Olympics, held in Traverse City.
This was the second Special Olympics for McDonald. Last year in speed skating, he won three medals, one gold and two silver.
While he was busy competing at the Olympics, McDonald also had time for some fun. He said he took part in dog sledding during the day, and at night, he went to the arcade and went dancing.
Drew’s mother, Nina McDonald, talked about how her son became involved with the speed skating competition.
“Drew plays in the FAR (Fine Arts Recreation) League in Birmingham,” she said. “They’re involved a lot in the Special Olympics. They don’t have ice hockey at the Special Olympics, so his coach (Ben Niemiec) suggested he get involved in speed skating. He’s been real good about getting Drew involved in things.”
According to Drew’s father, Tim McDonald, Drew has been playing for the FAR team for two years, last year at the junior varsity level and this year at the varsity level. Drew also plays inline hockey through the Independence Township Parks & Recreation summer league.
Drew stated whenever he plays with the FAR team, his teammates refer to him as “rookie” or “Chelios,” in honor of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios.
Although he has other hobbies — Nina McDonald said Drew loves to ride his bike and build bottles — hockey remains his main interest. She said Drew will be taking part in a hockey tournament in Toronto, the Special Hockey International Tournament, from April 10-13. According to Tim McDonald, this is the first time a Michigan-based team has taken part in the tournament.