Special Olympics BC Local
Langley
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
Through the former head coach of Langley. Deb asked me to volunteer five years ago, and it's been the most awesome experience.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
Yes.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
I'm excited and honoured to be chosen by Special Olympics. The athletes are amazing, caring, and talented individuals. It's truly a pleasure to know each of them and work with them. They have made me a better person.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
While I can hope for my team to win, the most important thing for me is that we all learn and grow from the experience, and become better athletes for it.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
So far, travelling with and coaching the athletes to the 2023 SOBC Provincial Games early this year has been my favourite SO experience. To see the smiles on the athlete's faces and to enjoy the camaraderie was amazing. Plus I got to know the athletes even more, as individuals, not just out on the ice, which brought me closer to each and every one of them.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
This upcoming national competition means the world to my athletes. I've never seen them so excited and driven to do better.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
Following a timeline, I see us working closely together training, be in-person and/or online for the months leading up to February. Closer to National Games, we will take part in a bon spiel. Also hoping to find a league they can participate in at the Langley Curling Club, outside of their regular Sunday slot. Through all of this, I expect to see them coming together more and more as a team, strengthening their confidence and abilities, and having a lot of fun doing so. But the climax to the story, naturally, would be playing in Calgary, and hopefully taking their deserved place on the podium.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
It will be the most amazing, rewarding, and inspiring thing you'll ever do.