Emotion spilled over at yesterday’s press conference announcing Special Olympics’ seven-member roster for the B.C. Winter Games.

Seven athletes will compete in figure skating and cross-country skiing at the 2015 Special Olympics event in Kamloops, B.C., Feb. 19 to 22.

Strapping on figure skates for the Yukon will be Michael Sumner, Theresa Roberts, Tijana McCarthy and Aimee Lien, while Darby McIntyre, Ernest Chua and Owen Munroe will glide along on skis.

“I am very excited for this journey with my fellow athletes,” the 18-year-old Sumner said in a speech at Sport Yukon headquarters yesterday afternoon. “The opportunity to be part of

Team Yukon is a great experience for all of us.

“I know we will achieve our personal bests at these games and give 200 per cent to represent the Yukon ... I am forever grateful to be part of Special Olympics as I pursue my love for sports and travel.

“You may ask me how I feel about this? Simply on top of the world. Whether we win or lose, the experience is the best thing ever.”

The F.H. Collins Secondary School student is now a Level 2 skater and has added a bunny hop and a backwards-to-forwards move to his routine – Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Two years ago, Sumner won a silver medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Chef de mission Janine Peters said each of the athletes named to Team Yukon have been very dedicated, training twice a week since October.

Peters’ eyes filled with tears as she discussed the local athletes’ determination and drive.

“Each of these athletes have successfully adhered to requirements of the Team Yukon training squad, including staying positive, being team players and trying their best at every practice,” she said.

“Every time we have a chance to compete Outside ... it always brings such a feeling of pride and joy to watch our athletes participate in the sport they love.” The B.C. Winter Games is a qualifying event for the 2016 national championships in Cornerbrook, Nfld.