Special Olympics BC Local
Campbell River.
Hometown
Campbell River.
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
My mother had me sign up for swimming when I was 13 years old. Never looked back.
Will these be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
I competed at the 2018 National Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia for track and 2020 National Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario for snowshoeing.
What were your results in the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games? How did you feel about your performance?
Four golds, in my five kilometre, 1600 metre, 800 metre plus the mixed 4x100 metre relay. It felt really good. I was most proud of my 5K results and being only one of two entrants for that race!
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
It feels really darned awesome! My birthday falls during that week too!
What is your goal for these National Games?
To beat my times.
What does competing at National Games mean to you?
It means showing the country how tough and resilient I am in spite of life’s setbacks.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
It’s snowy, it’s cold, it’s winter time. I just so happen to have a winter birthdate, and it involves running a lot!
What would you tell someone about Special Olympics to encourage them to get involved?
You’ll go thinking you’re going to change others, but it’ll often be the other way around. In a really, really, really good way.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I have been a Thrifty Foods employee for five years now! In fact, I worked all throughout the pandemic! I am hopelessly addicted to bananas and peanut butter. I am a crazy cat lady, and have two cats who are like my kids. I participated in the production of a documentary on inclusive employment with representatives from Inclusion BC. I spoke on a panel on inclusive employment at the 2nd World Supported Employment Conference in June, 2023.
What is one word you would use to describe yourself? :)
Toughasnails.