September 17-25 is National Coaches Week!
This week we are thrilled to highlight some of our amazing volunteer coaches, coaches like Troy Livingstone.
QUESTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS?
Answer: This is my second year volunteering with Special Olympics PEI.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS?
A: I am a coach with the Charlottetown Basketball program, and I volunteered at the Enriching Lives Gala this past June.
Q: WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO VOLUNTEER WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS?
A: I guess you could say that Special Olympics is in my blood! Charity Sheehan (Special Olympics PEI’s Executive Director and fellow Basketball coach) is my cousin, and Dave Morrow (long time volunteer) is my uncle. Additionally, my late wife volunteered at the Enriching Lives Gala every year… it was time I got involved.
Q: WHAT is one thing that surprised you when you started volunteering?
A: I was surprised by how excited the athletes were to be at program each week. They were just so eager to learn.
Q: do you have a highlight from your time VOLUNTEERING WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS so far?
A: The Special Olympics Nova Scotia Provincial Summer Games have been a highlight for me! Even without the gold medal, just participating. The entire experience was pretty awesome. Seeing athletes, all of whom were so excited, from all around the Maritimes, was pretty incredible.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT SIGNING UP AS A VOLUNTEER?
A: I talk about this all the time – if you ever get the opportunity to volunteer with Special Olympics PEI, do it! It’s by far the most rewarding thing you can do. It’s something you will never regret.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL VOLUNTEERING WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS?
A: My next goal is to grow basketball in the community; to have more athletes participating. I want to partner with others who share a love of the sport, and host clinics for our athletes. I also want to expand on the Charlottetown Basketball program, and host a Fall program, running through Spring (instead of a Spring only program).
Please join us in saying #ThanksCoach to all of our incredible volunteer coaches for their time, effort, and generosity.
Get Involved
If you have a love of sport and are looking to give back to the community Special Olympics PEI would love to hear from you! Fall programs are starting soon, and volunteer coaches are needed in communities across the Island: Learn More About Coaching Today
