SPRINGHILL - It was a week of firsts for Jason Rhindress.
Cumberland County's only representative in the Special Olympics returned home Sunday with a bronze medal.
It was the 28-year-old athlete's first time competing in the national games, held this year in London, Ontario.
"It was a good trip, he said he really enjoyed himself," said Rhindress' foster mother Cindy Lusby.
When Amherst Special Olympics coach Martha Saunders picked Rhindress, an employee of the GOVRC in Springhill, up at the airport on Sunday, he looked tired but excited at the same time, she said.
Apart from competing, there were other firsts for Rhindress. The trip marked his first plane ride and dance with live music.
"I just sat and looked out the window, it was really neat," Rhindress said, describing the plane trip. He also told Saunders how much he loves flying now.
Another highlight of the trip for Rhindress were the opening ceremonies, which had Don Cherry and some NHL players land in the middle of the track field in a helicopter.
"He was quite excited and talked a lot about that because that's not something that happens everyday," said Saunders.
Rhindress competed in the running long jump, shotput, 4x100 relay, 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races. He finished fourth in the 200-metre, fifth in the 400-metre, sixth in both the long jump and 100-metre and seventh in shotput.
Although he only placed top three in the relay, Rhindress held his own in every competition and kept up to his personal running times, said Saunders.
"He was competing in top groups with top athletes from across Canada so we're all pretty proud of him and think he did pretty well."
Rhindress met many new people at the games and was a hit with the officials, said Saunders.
"The coaches that were there were all pleased and said you couldn't ask for a nicer athlete who was more helpful and just no problem at all."
Rhindress, who usually only replies with a short answer and smile was talkative after the plane ride which was impressive said Saunders and added that he'll hopefully get to compete again someday.
"The competitions are every four years so who's to say he won't be selected again."
Team Nova Scotia had 69 athletes in the games and won 38 medals combined; a dozen gold, a dozen silver and 14 bronze.
