When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I was 15 years old and wanted to volunteer and get involved with my community to gain experience to become a police officer. I found floor hockey on the North Shore and have been volunteering with them ever since.
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?
By being part of the team means that I can broaden my resume with a supervisor role that the police forces are looking for in me. Furthermore, I can experience a National Games with the athletes that I have been with since I was 15.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
My goal is to enjoy the experience with the athletes that I have made friendships with other the years and coach them to be the best they possibly can.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Hands down Provincials in Vernon, BC. Lots of ups and downs and curveballs that made the experience a memory. I had been with my team for eight years and was finally able to see them medal silver which brought tears to my eyes.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
Lots of my athletes love competition and really want to do well. Others see it as I do and just want to go out and have the best possible time they can with an opportunity that is not often given to them/us.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
I really want to see them challenge each other and not just challenge themselves. Because it is a team sport, being able to get together and talk about the training and training goals might broaden their scope of training.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I always say that once you become their friend, they will always be your friend. Eight years ago(at 15), I never thought that the coaching I did back them would make such an impact on the athletes today.