Special Olympics BC Local
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved with Special Olympics unofficially when I was five years old. My dad was the head coach for the swimming team and I used to cheer from the pool deck. Eventually, I got to get in and swim with the athletes.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
It will be my first National Games and I am so excited!
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
It has been such an honour to grow up with Special Olympics in my life. I've gotten to see so many wonderful moments. There is nothing more special than getting to see an athlete that you have helped to support reaching success, whatever that looks like to them.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
My goal is to help keep our team happy and healthy. I'm looking forward to support our athletes' regulation and emotions so that they can perform to the best of their abilities. My other goal is to rock my cowgirl boots as much as possible.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
I have so many! I am the Youth Coordinator in Kelowna, so I've gotten the opportunity to see our kiddos take the first steps, kick a ball for the first time, and learn what it means to be on a team. I also was at the finish line at the 2023 SOBC Provincial Winter Games when my sister got her gold medals, which later secured her spot on SO Team BC!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
To be able to celebrate all that you have worked so hard for is why National Games is so amazing. To feel that sense of pride that comes with representing your province, there's nothing quite like it.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
I am excited to watch and support our athletes as they streamline their physical and mental training as we lead up to Games. I am excited to see how all that hard work transfer onto the ice, field, hill, etc. Most importantly, I am excited to see how that hard work becomes pride in oneself and our team.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I like to think that I have had a positive impact on athletes' lives over the years that I've been involved with Special Olympics, but there is no word that can epitomize how Special Olympics has impacted me. It has truly shaped me into the person I am today, allowed me to be a part of the best community in the world, and it's where I have created some of my best memories. If you're considering it, you need to get involved. You will not come out of the experience unchanged.