Athlete Spotlight

Celebrating Athlete Leaders in Newfoundland & Labrador

Our province is proud to showcase it's many Athlete Leaders!  As our Special Olympics athletes gain confidence and feel empowered, they often seek new challenges.  Special Olympics Canada's Athlete Leadership Programs are a great way for our athletes to challenge themselves!  Below are some highlights of Athlete Leadership in action!!!  To learn more about Athlete Leadership and how YOU can get involved please contact out Program Coordinator Kim McDonald-Wilkes kimm@sonl.ca

Sheyanne Boone, Tri-Con Gentle Giants 

After completing an Athlete Speaker Workshop in April 2019, Sheyanne was proud to put her newly aquired skills to work in a variety of ways!  Sheyanne was the Emcee at the Provincial Swim Competition held in Carbonear, she also gave a speech at the NLCU Walk in June 2019.  On another occassion Sheyanne spoke briefly at a local concert in her area and also sang a song!  Amazing list of events to part take in while showing off your Athlete Leadership skills Sheyanne!  Fantastic!

Darrin Frampton, St. John's 

Darrin also was involved in the Athlete Speaker Workshop in April 2019 and enjoyed giving a speech in the city of St. John's area just after learning all about how to write a speech!

Logan Firmage, Bonavista North Polar Bears 

After learning at the Athlete Leadership Summit that the speech you write reflects who you are and what Special Olympics means to you he was inspired to talk more about Bullying.  Logan helped spread the message about why Bullying is wrong during a Senior Hockey Tournament in his local area.  He also Emceed a little of the game opening!  Way to go Logan!  Here is a video of Logan's Speech!

Michael Budden, Bay St. George Bravehearts

Michael show cased he newly learned skills from the Athlete Leadership Summit by delivering the opening remarks at the Law Enforcement Torch Run help in his hom club/community of Stephenville in June 2019!  Amazing job Michael!

Chris Gillam, Lab West Big Landers 

Chris spoke at the clubs' closing banquet in June 2019.  His other claim to fame is that he spoke at the Employment Corporation Gala where he also receive the Cindy Witts Memorial Award.  Recipients of this award must be well rounded, involved in the community with activities and volunteering and muse demonstrate a positive attitude!  Chris excelled on all accounts.

Dion Cantwell, Mt. Pearl 

Dion gave a thank you speech during a Mt. Pearl city council forum.  The Mt. Peal City Council often play the Mt. Pearl Timber wolves Floor Hockey Team and this was a great opportunity for Dion to say thank you on behalf of the team and Special Olympics NL as a whole. 

Donald kendall, bay st. george bravehearts 

Donale Kendall participated in the NLCU Walk a Ned's Pond on June 2nd, 2019. He gave the opening speech during the walk, putting the skills he learned at the Athlete Leadership Summit to use!  Donald enjoyed giving the opening speech, welcoming everyone and extending a huge thank you to NLCU for being a supporter of Special Olympics NL!

Jamie Steele, Gander wings 

Jamie gave Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for their continuing support of Special Olympics on Saturday April 27th, 2019 during the Knights of Columbus State Dinner in Gander, NL.  Way to go Jamie!

Margaret MacNeil, Exploits Hurricanes 

Margaret not only opened the NLCU Walk in 2019 for her local club, but stood alongside fellow athlete Michael Barnes and Co-Emcee'd the Opening Ceremonies at the 2019 Provincial Winter Games! Another amazing showcase to all of just what our athletes can do when you set the bar!  Way to go Margaret!

Weslee MacDonald, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Howling Huskies 

Weslee along with a fellow Special Olympics athlete from his club co-emcee'd their year end banquet.  Another shining example of athlete leadership!  Congratulations Weslee on showing everyone all the amazing things our athletes can achieve!!

 

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