Caleb Friesen at the Special Olympics 2014 Vancouver with his Silver and Bronze medals.

Team Manitoba returned early this week from the Summer Special Olympics in Vancouver, BC.

Caleb Friesen qualified and was the only athlete representing the Eastman Region of Manitoba. Friesen's events were the 100 meter, 200 meter, and the standing long jump. He also participated on a relay team.

Friesen won bronze for his 200 meter run at 27.30 seconds and silver for his standing long jump at 2 meters 46.00cm. He was in the top eight for the 100 meter and in the top five on his relay team.

Merle Gadsby is a coach in Steinbach with the Special Olympics as well as the Regional Leader and she sits on the Special Olympic Board of Directors for Manitoba. She says Friesen trained very hard to be able to qualify and compete.

“They trained for a full year, trained hard. Trained three to four times a week.”

Caleb Friesen competing in Vancouver

Friesen's Mom notes he did really well and they were able to attend all of his events. She says he trained all winter and went to Winnipeg once or twice a week to train with Team Manitoba as well as going to the gym a couple times per month adding he's determined and has a natural ability.

“It felt amazing,” notes Friesen. “My parents were very proud of me, my brother and sister were there too and they were also very proud. I had a very, very good team. We were all very happy with each other. Our whole team won medals. One of my teammates that were on Manitoba, her name is Candy, she won the gold in her 100 meter. Matthew Therrien got the whole set; gold, silver and bronze.”

Friesen says he wants to try snow-shoeing next and hopes to qualify for the 2016 Winter Special Olympics in Newfoundland.