Special Olympics BC Local
Burnaby
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
Started volunteering in 1998. We were recruited at 5-Pin bowling which was the first program our daughter Bridget attended as an athlete for Special Olympics.
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 fourth National Games. Previous National Games were all in the role of coach: 2012 Winter National Games – St. Albert, Alberta; 2010 Summer National Games – London, Ontario; 2014 Summer National Games – Vancouver, B.C.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
It means having an opportunity to train our athletes to perform their best and give them an experience that will last a lifetime. Some have already had this experience while for others, this will be their first national games. It means reconnecting with coaches from across the province and building new connections with other coaches. It means a whole lot of fun, excitement, and LOTS OF coach anxiety during competition.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
To work with our athletes to compete at their optimum performance at National Games. This goal will be measured by their individual skills assessments in rock delivery and compared to their 2022 baseline. To prepare our athletes for an incredible sports experience of their lifetime. This include the journey of training, team building, travel, opening ceremonies, competition, and the victory dance during closing ceremonies. The National Games are so much more than making it to the podium which all coaches hope and dream for their athletes.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Favorite hands-down was cheering on our daughter Bridget in the sport of snowshoeing at the 2009 Special Olympic World Winter Games, hosted in Boise, Idaho.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
From past experience at National Games, the athletes welcome the opportunity to compete with other curling clubs across Canada, make new friendships, and build lifelong memories.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
A storyline I’m excited to see develop is the make-up of our curling team. Team Wildcats is a team of five females. It may very well be the only team at National Games comprised of all females in the sport of curling. In addition, the team make-up includes a mom and her two daughters. Mom started curling many years after her daughters and wanted to curl on the same team with them. As her coach, I told mom she had to earn her spot to be on the same team and that she did. It’s an amazing story of a tight-knit family, all with disabilities, all involved in Special Olympics, and how Special Olympics sporting opportunities have enhanced their lives!
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Just do it! Best thing we ever did for our daughter when she was 13. How many people of this planet can brag about competing on a world stage? The opportunity is there and is possible for all abilities of athletes.