SPORT: Rhythmic Gymnastics
PROVINCE: Ontario
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?
I have been a rhythmic gymnast with Special Olympics for 14 years. I joined Special Olympics in 2008 when I was 8 years old.
How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?
Special Olympics has given me the courage and confidence to try new things and challenge myself to be better in my sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics. From Special Olympics, I've learned that I need to try my best always, be ready to work hard work, and never give up even when things don't go well. The sense of confidence, belief in myself, and determination has transferred over into my personal life and helped me achieve what I want to do with my life. I have met so many generous people who have given their time to Special Olympics and helped me to improve as an athlete. Also, through Special Olympics rhythmic gymnastics, I have found a circle of close friends and now we socialize and do activities in addition to our sport.
What do you like most about the sport you will be competing in at Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023?
Rhythmic gymnastics is the perfect sport for me. I love those rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that blends athletics and artistry with technical skills, dance, music and costumes. What I like the most about rhythmic gymnastics is performing for an audience. There are a variety of apparatuses to master such as the ball, hoop, rope, clubs and ribbon. The ribbon is my favourite apparatus because of the flowing patterns I make as I perform.
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?
My proudest moment with Special Olympics was winning 7 gold medals in Rhythmic Gymnastics for Canada at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Abu Dhabi: 5 individual gold medals and 2 team gold medals..
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?
It is an honour to be selected to represent Canada at the Special Olympics World Games. I am excited to meet athletes and coaches from across Canada and to all come together to be one team. I am looking forward to watching and cheering on Team Canada in Berlin. I think it's also a chance to tell people about Special Olympics and what a difference it can make to people with intellectual disabilities.
What is your goal for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023?
My goal for Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023 is to do my best in my rhythmic gymnastics competitions. I also want to cheer on my teammates in rhythmic gymnastics and the other Team Canada sports. I am looking forward to meeting other athletes from around the world. I hope Team Canada will have a chance to see some sights and explore Berlin as tourists.