SPORT: Athletics

PROVINCE: British Columbia

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

Since 1990, more than 30 years after starting with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in 1990 in B.C.

How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?

The inspiration I get from the athletes’ energy drives me to do more to support those living with an intellectual disability, building better athletes, good citizens, and ambassadors for sport and Canada.

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

Athletics (track and field) is a pure sport. It's just you against yourself, the stopwatch, or the measuring tape. It doesn't get any simpler than that and it tests the mettle of each and every competitor.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

Watching our daughter Paige Norton at her first Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2009 in Boise, Idaho win the first medal of the Games – a gold in short-track speed skating – and for Canada. All while her grandmother watched her skate for the very first time!

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

There is nothing more rewarding and satisfying as a proud Canadian than to wear the maple leaf on your jersey and represent your country on the world stage at an amazing sport festival like Special Olympics World Games.

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

To support the team with my knowledge, skills, and abilities to the best of those abilities so that athletes and coaches alike are able to take in the whole Games experience and perform at their very best.