Lee-Ann McBride has been a member of Special Olympics Alberta - Brooks for nearly 30 years.

“I was asked to join by a local coach 27 years ago,” said McBride, adding that she believes the coach was the person who originally launched Special Olympics Alberta - Brooks. “I wanted to learn how to swim.”

Since joining the Special Olympics team nearly three decades ago, McBride said she has “made a lot of new friends and been to a lot of swim meets.”

“A lot of swim meets” may be an understatement, however, as McBride has competed at five Provincial Games as well as the Special Olympics Canada 2010 Summer Games in London, Ontario.

“Competing at the national level is not something I ever thought I would do, but I absolutely loved it,” she said. “I love swimming, making new friends, and cheering others on. I’m looking forward to the Special Olympics Alberta 2017 Summer Games in Medicine Hat this year.”

Aside from her time in the pool, McBride said she also enjoys going for walks and bike rides. And of course, she loves competing.

“I would tell anyone who is thinking about joining Special Olympics that it is a lot of fun and you can win ribbons and medals!”