Special Olympics BC – Mackenzie Local Coordinator Genevieve Baker is a hardworking volunteer who has played an important role in the growth of her Local.
Baker and her husband Kris started volunteering with Special Olympics in Alberta because of their son Stuart. When the family moved back to B.C., Baker got involved with the new SOBC Local in Mackenzie so that Stuart could continue to participate in sports and be part of a team. Baker recruited friends and family members to volunteer with SOBC – Mackenzie, and helped develop the Local so it could offer more sports.
An inspiring volunteer and coach, Baker is always looking to create opportunities for SOBC – Mackenzie athletes. She says being involved with Special Olympics is a highly rewarding experience and she loves supporting people with intellectual disabilities in her community.
When did you start with Special Olympics, and how did you get involved?
I started with Special Olympics in Grande Prairie, Alberta, in 2010. I got involved with Special Olympics because my husband and I have a son with special needs. We moved from Mackenzie to Grande Prairie to better his education and health. When we heard about Special Olympics we got involved with our son Stuart, and before we knew it we were coaches.
What has been your most memorable Special Olympics experience?
My most memorable moment was just being with our athletes and leading them into the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games. It was a proud moment for sure. We ended up leaving Alberta to move back to B.C. Now, being here and away from other athletes for Stuart, we have decided to start up Special Olympics here in the small town of Mackenzie.
What would you like others to know about SOBC – Mackenzie?
I love being involved here in our community and love being able to have sports for our people with intellectual disabilities. For our small town of Mackenzie, we play quite a bit of sports. We offer floor hockey, 5-pin bowling, swimming, and also golf. My favourite things about being involved in Special Olympics are how rewarding it is and how our athletes love being involved in the sports in our community.