Kaehlen Allison

Special Olympics Team BC 2020 Speed Skating Coach
Kaehlen Allison

When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?    

I have been coaching for five years. I wanted to reconnect to the sport of speed skating and also have always wanted to work with Special Olympics. It was the perfect fit!

Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?  

Yes.

What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2020?    

I am extremely excited to be a part of SO Team BC 2020. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with so many incredible human beings.

What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?

My goal as a coach is to help support and prepare my athletes for the experience, both to compete and to best enjoy the experience. 

What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?

My favourite moments come from traveling to competitions and camps with the team. Often we travel from Vancouver Island to the mainland with seven of us in a van. We have the best time even though we leave at 5 a.m. and get back late!

What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)

My athletes are incredibly excited to be a part of this team. One of them has never been to a National Games and since being chosen from the team she has been more motivated than ever!

What storylines are you excited to see develop in your Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?     

I'm excited to see the growth of each of the athletes, especially those who have not had this experience before!

What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved? 

Volunteering with Special Olympics has taught me more about myself than any other experience I've been involved in. It challenges, encourages, and inspires me every day!