Join Special Olympics BC for National Coaches Week as we spotlight coach Joanne Turnbull and other coaches across the province who make a difference in the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities, their families and other volunteers every single day.
Turnbull was first introduced to Special Olympics BC by a co-worker. She had been in search of volunteer opportunities but hadn’t yet found the right fit. “At that point, nothing clicked,” she says.
Her co-worker volunteered as an SOBC coach and had a daughter that was a registered athlete, so she organized for Turnbull to sit in on a program as an observer. “When I attended the program, I was immediately captivated,” says Turnbull.
Since then, Turnbull has gone on to coach SOBC—Coquitlam Club Fit, rhythmic gymnastics, snowshoe and athletics. And little did she know that years later, Turnbull would coach her co-worker's daughter in national and international levels of competition.
Turnbull says she cherishes seeing an athlete develop through sport, whether it be from learning tools to communicate with their coach, to achieving their personal best at the finish line. “I love the authenticity of the athletes. I love seeing the athletes in a sport community that enriches them with friendships, purpose, health and fitness,” she says. “I love the commitment of the families and volunteers.”
She says she has learned patience and the importance of providing clear and simple instruction. “I also feel that it is an excellent opportunity to become aware of, and/or reassess any biases about individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
Turnbull fondly remembers a moment when a talented athletics athlete she coached, who was largely non-verbal and withdrawn, asked about Turnbull’s dog after overhearing a conversation.
“This was the first time she had spoken to me in the year and a half I had coached her. I was elated,” says Turnbull. “Now she communicates, and has built friendships with other athletes. She also displays a truly playful side, which makes a lot of us laugh and shake our heads with amusement.”
Turnbull feels she echoes many coaches by believing that she benefits more from the athletes than they benefit from her. “On days where I’m tired while driving to practice, I’m immediately uplifted when I am with our Special Olympics community.”
Thank you for the tremendous positive impact you have on your community!