Special Olympics BC Local
Coquitlam
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved with Special Olympics 34 years ago because I needed volunteer hours for high school.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
This will be my ninth National Games. I have been to two summer National Games and six winter National Games in the past. My roles have varied from being team manager to assistant coach.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
It means everything, I’m so excited to be the head coach for our alpine skiing team.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
For every athlete and coach to have the best time of their life. To have the athletes prepared to the best of their ability so they can compete at the highest level.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
There are so many. One of them is attending my very first opening ceremony at the 2017 Special Olympics World Games in Austria.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
I think it’s everything. They work and train so hard for three years leading up to National Games and to achieve their goal to compete at at that level is just awesome!!
To have the chance to compete at World Games is also a huge motivator.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
I think just the team bonding and friendships that the athletes are going to create over the next several months and beyond!!
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I always say just come to one practice or event and you will be hooked!!