Christi - Joe (CJ) has been involved with Special Olympics, first in Ontario, and now in PEI, since she was in grade school. The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2020 in Thunder Bay were CJ's first National Games. CJ had a great experience in Thunder Bay, and achieved great success on the Snowshoe course, earning 3 medals - 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. CJ, who began Snowshoeing in the winter of 2018, is excited for the opportunity to represent Canada.
Back when her family lived in Ontario, CJ participated in 10-Pin Bowling, coached by her mother, Josephine Clements, in her community. Through her school, CJ also participated in Track and Field. When CJ's family moved back to PEI briefly in 2005 she began 5-Pin Bowling in Alberton. When the family moved back to PEI permanently in 2012 CJ, along with 5-Pin Bowling, also started participating in Track and Field.
Up until 2012 CJ used a wheelchair. Now, with the goal of continuing to keep CJ out of a wheelchair, CJ and Josephine are focused on building muscle tone, something snowshoe plays a role in. Other training opportunities for CJ include working out at the local gym with her mom, swimming, and doing yoga. Josephine is very proud of CJ. She loves seeing CJ moving, and cannot speak highly enough about the health benefits of increased mobility. Added to this, Josephine knows how much CJ loves being active and moving. Together, CJ and Josephine are working to find new ways to motivate CJ, and to keep her moving.
CJ found out that had qualified for the Special Olympics Canada Training Squad when Special Olympics PEI's Program Director, Matthew McNally arranged for a video chat with her and her mother. CJ was very excited, and thankful for the opportunity. Having to keep the news a secret, until the official announcement from Special Olympics Canada, has been a challenge.
CJ is currently living at home with mother, Josephine, a move she made at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Josephine felt better able to support her daughter with her living at home as opposed to living in a group home, which had stricter restrictions. Living at home also means that CJ is able to get out a bit more, and take advantage of the family's 3 acre yard. CJ goes hiking, snowshoeing and tobogganing in the yard for exercise. Even with lockdown CJ legs are just as strong as they were last year.
Josephine plans to travel to cheer CJ on when she competes at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. One thing Josephine will not be packing, however, is a "Go CJ" sign. At the Special Olympics National Winter Games 2020 in Thunder Bay Josephine held up a similar sign to cheer CJ on from the sidelines. CJ stopped mid-race to read her mom's sign!
CJ is supported locally by training coach, and dedicated volunteer, Donna Campbell.
