Women in sports: one of our own
Eva Bell is a familiar face to thousands of Gryphons, but most don’t know her name, and they should. She works for Hospitality Services in the Mountain Hall cafeteria as a dishwasher, and is thought of very highly by her colleagues. But that’s not all: Bell is an elite track and field athlete who will be representing Canada in the Special Olympics in Dubai this March.
Jovet De La Torre, one of Bell’s coworkers from the Mountain cafe, told The Ontarion that “it is with pride and honour to know such a dedicated and committed special athlete who […] will represent our beautiful country.”
Bell will be competing in the 200-metre dash and shot put as one of 109 proud Canadians selected for the upcoming Special Olympics, which is held every four years. The future Special Olympian qualified for the world games at the National Games in Antigonish, N.S. by earning a gold medal in shot put, as she reached a personal best distance of 9.75 metres, and a silver medal in the 200-metre dash. She earned an additional silver medal in running long jump, but will not be competing in this event in Dubai.
In preparation for the Special Olympics, Bell has received extra time off work to practice. The Gryphons Field House has allowed her to work out on campus.
In an interview with The Ontarion, Lori Savage, Bell’s coach, said of her trainee’s participation in the games: “being part of the games is like living a dream [that she] has had for a very long time.”
It’s not just about competing at the highest level possible, “[Eva] is also looking forward to meeting new people, trying different foods, and seeing a new country,” Savage added.
Bell is proud to represent Canada, and Canada will be proud of her.
From all your fellow Gryphons, good luck, Eva!
Photos courtesy of Lori Savage.