SPORT: Athletics

PROVINCE: Alberta

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

Fifteen years.

How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?

My life has become more enriched, with a deeper purpose. I feel I am a more valuable contributor to society through Special Olympics. I feel like I belong to an organization whose values align with my own. It has given me incredible opportunities to work with wonderful people, be inspired by incredible, resilient, determined athletes, and feel like I am part of a caring family. It has provided me lifelong learning through coach development. I have made lifelong friendships through Special Olympics. It has given me a way to give back to my community through sport, while creating an awareness for the need for inclusion.

What do you like most about the sport you will be competing in at Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023?

I find athletics energizing and inspiring to be part of. Watching our athletes at the start line of a race builds much excitement. Seeing them run their races creates momentary reflection of how hard they worked to get ready for that competition. I love hearing the crowd cheer for them as they run through the finish line. I also have much respect for field sports and the jump and throw techniques and development that is involved and find these competitions exciting.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

My proudest moment with Special Olympics is when I see athletes who begin our program with barriers to sport, and over time I see them cross a finish line with pride after running a successful race. It is at that moment that I realize fully the life-changing transformation that being part of Special Olympics made for that athlete. I remember the apprehension at program start, the progressive steps to skill development, learning one technique at a time, the confidence building, and the strategies to remove anxiety and fear barriers. I see in front of me a transformed athlete who is confident, capable, and who realized they just achieved their goal. It is amazing!

What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?

I am extremely proud to represent Canada and to share in the movement for inclusion globally. Meeting coaches and athletes from around the world makes me realize how many people impact inclusion. Walking in with our team wearing our maple leaf at the Opening Ceremony, providing final words of support to athletes before competitions, being right there to watch athletes compete, and celebrating their achievements is amazing. There is so much work that our athletes do to prepare for these Games. It's an honour to be part of the journey.

What is your goal for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023?

To me, the Games are essential in bringing countries from all over the world together for unification through competition. My goal for Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023 is to celebrate sport by being an active part of that unification while highlighting our athletes' abilities and achievements.