Special Olympics athletes from across Yukon gathered in Haines Junction recently to participate in the eighth annual Northwestel Development Games.

More than 30 athletes got together on Aug. 8 to participate in events including athletics, basketball, and bocce with support from 12 coaches and several volunteers.

The Development Games, inspired by a concept developed by Special Olympics Saskatchewan, have been held in Yukon every year since 2008, alternating between summer and winter sports.

“The Development Games are an opportunity for Special Olympics athletes to discover new sports and showcase their skills in front of a local audience,” said Yukon Minister of Community Services Currie Dixon. “The games are all about participation and celebrating the true spirit of sport.”

“We were very pleased to host the games in Haines Junction,” added Kluane MLA Wade Istchenko.

“Events like these promote healthy lifestyles and community spirit, with the added bonus of drawing visitors to this beautiful region we call home.”

For the third straight year, the games also featured the Healthy Athletes initiative, which offers free health screenings to athletes.

“We were very happy to take the 2015 Northwestel Development Games to Haines Junction,” Special Olympics Yukon executive director Serge Michaud said. “Our athletes had a great time showcasing their athletic abilities in another region of Yukon.”

The territorial government provided $5,000 through the Moving to Inclusion Fund to support the event.

“Great day in Haines (Junction),” Yukon MP Ryan Leef tweeted at the time.

“Building future greats!” he added, alongside the hashtag “brave.”