Special Olympics BC Local
Victoria
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
In 2010, while coaching at a mainstream figure skating club, an athlete introduced me to Special Olympics by asking me to be her training coach for a competition. There wasn’t a dedicated SO figure skating program at the time. That was it, I was hooked! I ended up taking up coaching with SO and moved to many other roles.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
Calgary will be my second National Games. I was part of the coaching team for figure skating at the 2016 National Games in Corner Brook.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
It is truly an honour to be a part of our athletes’ journeys to compete at high level competitions, achieve their goals, and celebrate their successes and victories. The amount of heart, drive, and passion that our SO Team BC athletes have is huge source of inspiration for me.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
My goal for these National Games is for each athlete to have the most fun while crushing their goals in a safe, positive, and supportive environment. I want every athlete to come away with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
There are so many to choose from! One of my favourite Special Olympics experiences to date was watching an athlete overcome an especially challenging season. She was able to come out and perform a personal best with all her heart and courage and win a gold medal. She was overwhelmed with joy for winning but was mostly proud of herself to perform her best skate ever. She did it all for her mom who had recently passed away. There were a lot of happy tears that day.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
Competing at National Games means a lot to our athletes. Our athletes will be given the platform to compete at a national level and be celebrated for their successes off and on the field of play. Winning is not the only thing that is important to them, it’s the experiences and relationships built along the way. Their courage and heart to face each challenge and competition truly make each and every person a champion in their own right.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
I am excited to witness and hear about all of the experiences that our athletes will have conquering their goals, performing personal bests, and overcoming challenges and struggles, all while putting their best selves forward for the whole country to celebrate and get to know our SO community.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Getting involved in SO will change your life. It has certainly done so for mine. I am truly a better person and it is much more than just sports. Special Olympics truly encompasses so much more than winning and competition. It helps to provide opportunity, development, inclusion, and build foundational life skills for all those involved. You receive so much more than you give.