Catherine Partlow’s Speech Impressed Employers, Now She Celebrates 15 Years at JYSK
It’s changed people’s lives, but mine especially. If it wasn’t for Special Olympics, I wouldn’t have gone to Greece or all of the places I’ve been!
Catherine joined Special Olympics when she was around 13 years old; she had a friend with Down syndrome whose parent suggested that Theresa (Catherine's mom) get their family involved as well. Over 30 years later, both athletes are still going strong as members of Special Olympics Greater Toronto.
“It’s a great organization,” Catherine said, “and it helps you stay active.”
The Whitby athlete has been to no less than five Special Olympics World Games: four Summer Games for track, and recently the World Winter Games 2025 in Turin for snowshoeing. Catherine added her favourite part of travelling for Special Olympics is getting to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Despite her clear success in running, Catherine said she is eager to try new sports in Special Olympics, which is why she chose to compete in golf at the latest National Games despite also qualifying for track and field.
With a proud family backing her activities in Special Olympics over the years, Catherine went to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026 with her father acting as his daughter’s official caddy.
“We did everything,” she said, “we hung out, we went to Opening and Closing together, it was really nice having him there!”
An employee at JYSK—an international furniture retailer with a store in Whitby and a Special Olympics Canada National Partner —Catherine is one of her store’s longest standing employees, having been with them for over 15 years. She said it all started thanks to the advice of a former Special Olympics Canada employee.
"So, I did a speech at the LIMITLESS Gala,” Catherine said, referencing Special Olympics Canada’s biggest fundraising event, “and one of Special Olympics Canada's former employee, Susanna Petti, suggested I put in my speech that, ‘I’m a hard worker and a team player looking for a job.’”
After giving her speech, Catherine started getting offered job interviews from multiple employers who saw her at the Gala. From there, she onboarded with JYSK and has been with them ever since.
In her role, Catherine’s main priority is stocking shelves, working with her colleagues to keep the store clean, and helping customers find the items they need. She added that pretty much one of the only things she does not do in her job is work the cash register. Catherine also has some advice for other people with disabilities who are going into their first job.
Be patient, don’t forget to ask for help if you need it, and always do your best. Be kind, be helpful, and be respectful to others.
Written By: Callum Denault, Special Olympics Canada Athlete and Staff Member
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month – an annual reminder of the pressing need for equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the unique talents and contributions that individuals with diverse abilities bring to the workforce.