Special Olympics BC Local
Smithers
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I first got involved as a parent 11 years ago and soon realized how amazing our athletes are. I started to be a volunteer on our executive soon after and found my calling almost eight years ago when we were in need of an assistant coach for swimming. I am still the assistant coach for swimming and the head coach for snowshoeing and athletics.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
My first National Games were the 2020 Thunder Bay National Winter Games.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
My son always says that together, we can do great things. I know this is true, I have seen how our athletes grow with a supportive team around them. Everyone on that team is important and I am proud to be part of this team.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
To support each athlete and other team members to the best of my ability. To celebrate personal bests with each athlete.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
All my favourite moments are times when one of our athletes that worked really hard succeeds and they learned a new skill that seemed really hard when we started. Suddenly there is this moment when it just works. The smile and the celebration is nothing short of a miracle.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
They are proud of themselves, they know that they can do amazing things.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
How our dedicated coaching team will boost confidence in our athletes, and how our athletes will show the world that they are competent and caring people.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Just give it a try, you will not regret it!