Special Olympics BC athlete leader Susan Wang is an important voice helping shape the global Special Olympics movement. She is currently giving her time and expertise as one of the small number of international athletes selected to serve as Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messengers for 2024 to 2027. She also serves as Chair of the Special Olympics Canada Athlete Leadership Council and as a valued member of the SOC Board of Directors.
At the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, Wang and the Global Messengers played a powerful role as speakers and leaders in ceremonial and advocacy roles. After the World Games, Wang generously took the time to share the below reflection on her experience!
From March 8 to 15, 2025, I had the honour and privilege of experiencing my first World Winter Games as a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger. These Games were truly the best experience ever, and I’m glad I got to experience them from a whole new perspective as an athlete leader. I got to see the determination, courage, and joy that athletes have while competing in their sports and making friendships with people around the world.
As a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, I got to participate in many engagements that gave me the opportunity to learn and grow. I was part of speaking engagements that I never thought would be possible. I got to speak at the Global Youth Leadership Summit and led a fun icebreaker. I got to speak on the mountain for the Motor Training Activities Program for a ski demonstration, and co-emcee on the ice for the founders reception. I led a tour of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings, spoke on stage with my fellow Global Messengers for the Closing Ceremony, and so much more.
I was able to step out of my comfort zone and speak on behalf of athletes everywhere. It was truly a dream come true.
Even though there were many ups and downs throughout the week, I developed the strength and knowledge to persevere, and to always keep a positive mindset. A positive mindset goes a long way and will help you stay calm in the most stressful situations. I took many deep breaths throughout the week and always reminded myself to have fun while thinking of positive affirmations, which helped me get through the toughest of days. We would sometimes have 14-hour days and only sleep a couple of hours.
I had so much fun connecting with people throughout the Games, and I even got to practice my Mandarin speaking skills! My confidence grew, and it was like I was a different person from the shy person I was a few years ago.
One of my proudest moments throughout the Games was being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which recognizes a Canadian who made a significant contribution to the community. I received this medal at the Special Olympics Team Canada reception, and it was a total surprise. I wasn’t expecting to receive the award and was in awe when I was invited to come on stage.
Some of my favourite moments of the Games included getting to ice skate with my fellow Global Messengers during the founders reception, having a snowball fight on the mountain, leading the Healthy Athletes tour in which most of the guests were Canadian, and practising my photography skills. I will cherish these moments forever.
Read about her Healthy Athletes experience
Special Olympics has truly changed my life, and I don’t know where I would be today without this organization. Through participating in sports, I gained the confidence to take on athlete leadership and be a voice for change. I have been able to see the difference Special Olympics has on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Throughout my experiences with being an athlete leader, I have gained the confidence and knowledge to tackle new challenges such as graduating from university with a bachelor’s degree, getting my full license to drive, and working full time at an early childhood centre with infants.
I would highly encourage athletes to take part in Special Olympics Athlete Leadership training programs, because it can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain necessary leadership skills. From learning about public speaking to media training, there is something for everyone, and you might even get to travel around the world to showcase these skills.
Athletes and volunteers can join Susan Wang in making a difference through Special Olympics BC Athlete Leadership programs! In Special Olympics BC Athlete Leadership programs, athletes develop the skills and abilities to take on a range of leadership roles including public speaking, participating on Local Committees and Athlete Input Councils, and assisting as fundraising and program volunteers.
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