Athletes, Coaches and Mission Staff from all across Canada are ready for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany!
8 athletes and 3 coaches from Saskatchewan will be joining the rest of Team Canada heading to Berlin to compete on the world stage. This incredible event runs June 17th - 25th, and will mark a long-awaited return to competition on the international stage since the last Special Olympics World Games in 2019.
Athletes from all corners of the globe will gather in Berlin between June 17th-25th to compete. The World Games are the flagship event for the Special Olympics movement, and take place every two years (alternating between summer and winter games). The World Games feature more than a week of intense competition between athletes. On June 17th, 2023, Special Olympics Team Canada will walk into the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.
Team Canada has 89 athletes and 49 supporting team members from all 12 Provincial/Territorial Chapters in 9 different sports: athletics, men's and women's basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer and swimming. The athletes and coaches have been training hard for the upcoming Games - it will definitely be an unforgettable and exciting experience for everyone!
Meet the Saskatchewan Team Members of Special Olympics Team Canada
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Aaron Higgins has been involved with Special Olympics for 30+ years now. He has tried many different sports in his athletic journey, but Powerlifting is his true passion. Aarons goal while attending the World Games is to lift over 1,000 lbs. total in the three lifts.
What is your favourite food? "That's really easy - nachos and salsa! Is that its own food group?"
If you were stuck on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you? "My TV, my movies, my music, my games, my computer, my friends, my brother, sister and girlfriend, my nachos and salsa - why do I have to stop at only 3 things :) " |
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Ben Lozinsky has been involved with Special Olympics for 10 years. Special Olympics has become a huge part of his life and career in several roles.
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics? "Seeing Saskatchewan athletes and volunteers reach their goals and achieve great accomplishments."
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you? "It is great to be included on the Special Olympics Team Canada Training Squad with many other Saskatchewan coaches and athletes. It may be our largest continent on a Special Olympics Team Canada without a team sport. It is great to see our individual sport athletes fulfill their dreams." |
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Ian Cushon has been involved with Special Olympics for 32 years. His parents put him in 5 Pin Bowling when he was 9, and he has been an athlete ever since. In addition to Bowling, Ian participates in Golf and Bocce.
If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would it be and why? "I would hang out with Scooby-Doo. I would love to ride around in the Mystery Machine van with him!"
If you could live in any other place in the world, where would you live? "I could happily live in London, England. I love the Big Ben and the Ferris Wheel."
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Jackie Powell has been involved with Special Olympics for 27 years now. Since being with Special Olympics, Jackie feels that her life has changed by being able to work with the athletes who give back more than what she can give them - challenging her to be a better coach and person. Jackie is looking forward to experiencing the games alongside the athletes and coaches.
If you could have a meal with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? "Dr. Frank Hayden - I would love to know what his favourite memory being involved with Special Olympics is, and if there is anything he would change or do different, along with what he would like to see in the future."
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? "Take time for yourself." |
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McKenzie Millar has been involved with Special Olympics for 4 years. Since joining Special Olympics, she has gained a lot more confidence and grew as a person. She feels that Special Olympics is one of those places where anyone can be who they truly are, and that brings a lot of new friendships that can last a lifetime.
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics? "The proudest moment I had with Special Olympics is when I was in Calgary, Alberta with my Regina team (the Wildcats) for 3 full games against different teams. We were all so tired, but we pushed through and made it to the end and won our last game!"
What is your goal for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023? "My goal for the Games is do our best in the Games, to work as a team instead of individual athletes, making sure we can do what we can to push past our limits and push past our thinking that we can't make it to we can make it as a team and with each other." |
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Megan Penno has been involved with Special Olympics for 10 years. As Megan says, it was serendipity getting involved with Special Olympics. She had just moved back to Regina, Saskatchewan after completing a degree in Sports Admin and she was looking for volunteer opportunities. Her step-sister is a Special Olympics athlete and Megan has been involved ever since.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? "Do more of what makes you happy."
What is your goal for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023? "My goal is to be fully present and enjoy every moment as we work as a team to represent our country to the best of our abilities." |
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Steven Saman has been with Special Olympics for 5 years. In that time, he has made more friends, improved his skills and had the opportunity to visit new places. His goal for the World Games in Berlin is to do his best, train hard, make new friends and make memories. He would love this to be a step towards something big in his life.
If you were stuck on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you? "My phone, my basketball, and a water bottle."
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? "A dog! Because I am friendly, protective, and great with kids."
Who is your favourite music artist or band" "Drake of course." |
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Taylor Carter has been involved with Special Olympics for 9 years. Ever since joining, Taylor has been able to travel, meet new people, and compete in golf. His goal for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin is to be as physically and mentally prepared as possible. He wants to meet as many new people from all over the world, as well as his fellow Team Canada athletes. He would also love to bring home a medal!
What do you like most about the sport you will be competing in at Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin? "I like being outside, meeting new friends, golfing with family and friends, and doing my thing on the course."
What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you? "It means everything! I am very proud to be a part of Special Olympics Team Canada and have the opportunity to represent my country in the sport that I love." |
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Terra Dagenais has been involved in Special Olympics for 17 years, and in that time, she has made many friends all while getting to play the sports that she loves. Soccer is one of Terra's favourite sports, and she has played it since she was a little girl. Her goal for the Special Olympics World Games is to have fun and hopefully win the gold medal in soccer.
If you could have a meal with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? "I would have a meal with Connor McDavid because I look up to him."
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? "My parents said to be nice to everyone." |
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Tyler Servant has been involved with Special Olympics for 10 years. He got involved starting with swimming after he met Coach Jackie Powell when she told him to come out and watch. Ever since then, he has been hooked. To Tyler, swimming is his therapy - if he is having a bad day, all he wants to do is swim because it relaxes him.
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics so far? "My proudest moment would be getting picked for World Games and being an athlete representative for Special Olympics boards."
If you could go to Mars, would you? Why or why not? "I would go to Mars, yes. I would want to find out if Aliens are real."
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Vanessa Gebert has been with Special Olympics for 4 years now. She feels that during her time in Special Olympics, she has become very outgoing and it has boosted her confidence. Vanessa's goals while attending Special Olympics World Games in Berlin is to do her best and to win both events that she is in. She is very excited to be representing Canada in Berlin.
If you could live in any other country in the world, where would you live? "I would like to live in Italy, Rome area."
Would you rather live in the ocean or on the moon? Why? "I would like to live on the moon. Because I can jump and go explore the moon." |
Good luck to all the team members traveling to Berlin to represent Canada at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023. We will be cheering for you!