"We are inspired to do our best when we know others are in our corner making opportunities for us happen."
YOUR DONATION WILL BE MATCHED!
A generous donor has committed up to $60,000 in matching funds for Draft an Athlete.
My sport:
10 Pin Bowling, Basketball, Speed Skating and Golf
My favourite thing about Special Olympics:
Socializing with friends and building skills and improving outcomes in sport, which may just be pure enjoyment and not necessarily a medal. Always an opportunity to dance and have a good time!
My greatest accomplishment:
Winning Gold in Golf in two National Games Vancouver and Antigonish and going onto capture Gold at the 2015 LA World Games and 2019 Abu Dhabi World Games.
How Special Olympics changed my life:
It has given me more confidence and belief that if I train hard and practice I can improve in my sport. I have taken on new challenges - right now I am currently on the Special Olympics Ontario Board of Directors and the Athlete Leadership Council for Ontario.
Special Olympics has changed my life and helped me overcome social challenges and accomplish many sporting feats and public presentations I never thought possible. I really really appreciate Special Olympics even more now since COVID. It's fun getting together virtually but I can't wait until we all can be together in person and continue with our sports.
How I've been staying healthy and active at home:
I put together a home gym in my basement and have been doing online workouts with National Coach Steve Topham and other virtual sessions when I can. I participated in Walk the World and motionball events leading up to the Marathon of Sport.
On top Special Olympics virtual resources, I am a member of Fit Collective and the Y. I returned to Fit Collective in August and we have been working out outside until the gym opens.
I also got a new bike.
I was able to see my golf coach starting at the end of June and was so happy the golf courses opened.
My favourite memory:
I am grateful to Special Olympics for so many things. I have met many friends. We share a common bond, we all want to do our very best and support our friends to do the same. Special Olympics gives us the opportunity to participate in sport, build our skills, confidence and grow through sportsmanship and competition.
We are inspired to do our best when we know others are in our corner making opportunities for us happen.
Why you should Draft an Athlete to help us get back to the playing field:
Everyone should donate to Special Olympics programs and athletes because it provides opportunities and opens doors for amazing new challenges. It helps support young families and athletes that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate.
I had stopped playing sports competitively when I was very young, at 13 I had the opportunity to try Special Olympics soccer. After the first practice I looked at my dad and said “I belong”. That was the beginning of the journey I’ve been on for 16 years. Your support and that of our volunteers has made my story possible. Donating is life changing, it helps fund and deliver the programs that develop athletes.
What I'm looking forward to most when returning to our regular Special Olympics programming:
I miss golfing with my friends and our Special Olympics Chippawa Chippers on Sunday. It’s hard to be away when Special Olympics is such a big part of your life.
Make a donation to support Tess and her fellow athletes across Canada:
YOUR DONATION WILL BE MATCHED!
A generous donor has committed up to $60,000 in matching funds for Draft an Athlete.