Special Olympics BC Local:

Kelowna

Hometown:

Kelowna

When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?

I got involved in Special Olympics when I was nine years old and joined 5-pin bowling.

Will these be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?

I have competed at the Winter National Games in 2016 in snowshoeing and the 2018 Summer National Games in bocce.

What were your results in the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games? How did you feel about your performance?

I won two medals and I am happy with my results, as I was competing with an injury. I was in pain but told myself I had to finish what I started, and so I pushed myself and was still able to win medals. I am proud of my drive to succeed and meet my goal.

What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2020?

I am very proud to be part of Team BC 2020. I am excited to compete against the rest of Canada and show them what a great team we are. 

What is your goal for these National Games?

My goal is to train hard so that I can do my best and hopefully win a medal in each event. I want my performance to be my personal best. I hope my performance will allow me to be selected for Team Canada 2021.

What does competing at National Games mean to you?

I get to meet athletes from across Canada, see familiar faces from previous National and World Games and enjoy competing against them. I will be proud to wear my Team BC uniform and represent my province.

What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?

I like running fast in the sprint events. 

What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?

My favourite Special Olympics experience was meeting athletes from other provinces and from around the world at the 2017 World Games in Austria. 

What would you tell someone about Special Olympics to encourage them to get involved?

They should join Special Olympics because they get to try different sports and have fun. They will get to meet a lot of other athletes that are so supportive and cheer you on to do your best. You will have a lot of great experiences if you join Special Olympics.

What other Special Olympics sports do you participate in?

I participate in snowshoeing, bocce, golf, powerlifting, basketball, track, and Club Fit.

Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?

Competing with Special Olympics has taught me how to be my best and allowed me to travel the world, and the athletes and coaches have become like a second family to me.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself? :)

Determined.