Special Olympics BC Local
Burns Lake
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
In 2013, I was asked if I would coach snowshoe. I had just started a new teaching position at our local high school, which involved working with students with intellectual disabilities. I had so much fun that I have not looked back.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
I have been to Newfoundland and Thunder Bay.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
Everything! I am so excited to be a part of an amazing group of athletes, coaches, and mission staff. A group that looks out for each other and are the best cheer leaders.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
To give our athletes the best National Games experience ever!
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Going to our practice session in Newfoundland only to find the volunteers have a great time pumping all the water off of the track. They joked that they wanted to have a little Dory and a stuffed fisherman posed for us in one of the big puddles. They got their job done and when the snow came that night, worked all night to reset the track for our race start the next day. We had an amazing group of volunteers at the snowshoe venue in Newfoundland!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
They are eager to get personal bests and it gives them the hope of going to World Games.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
Athlete performance improvements.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Volunteering with Special Olympics is the most rewarding opportunity ever. Seeing the absolute joy on athlete’s faces when they meet up with fellow athletes, or when they compete and do their best…you can’t get any better than that! I get so much more out of volunteering with Special Olympics than I could ever give. Just do it, you will never regret it!