Special Olympics BC Local
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved with Special Olympics in 2002 as my son was enrolled in 5-pin bowling and they needed assistance to keep score and direct athletes when it was their turn.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
This will be my fifth National Games – my third Winter Games and I have coached at 2 National Summer Games as well.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
It is always special to be invited to join SO Team BC as we have a reputation of being one of the best organized, most prepared teams, and our athletes always represent our province so well and do us proud. It also means a lot to me as my one son is an athlete on SO Team BC and my other son is a coach on SO Team BC. So it is a family affair and will be a special time that we all share together.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
My goals for these National Games are to make sure my athletes are as prepared as possible so they can perform their best, and to ensure that my athletes enjoy the National Games and the whole experience no matter the outcome of their races.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite Special Olympics experiences to date is going to my first World Winter Games where I had the opportunity to walk into Opening Ceremonies with all of SO Team Canada wearing the Maple Leaf on our backs in front of thousands of cheering fans, then seeing my son compete and win a gold and silver medal in snowshoeing. Priceless!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
It is exciting for an athlete to be going to National Games even if it is not their first time. But for my athletes attending their first National Games, it is a dream come true. It is the reward for training so hard and never giving up on their dreams so that's why it is my goal to ensure they enjoy the entire experience as this is a chance of a lifetime for them.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
It is always nice to see how the athletes from around the province come together and become a team – supporting, encouraging, cheering for each other, and developing relationships that will continue long after the National Games.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
You get involved with Special Olympics thinking you are just going to help out with a sports program, but end up getting involved in the athletes' lives, feeling so welcomed each week at training, building a welcoming and safe community where they can grow, teaching them many skills for their sports and also many life skills which changes their life for the better – it is so rewarding getting involved in Special Olympics knowing you have made a significant difference in someone's life.