Special Olympics BC Local
Abbotsford
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I have been involved since 2003 when our daughter joined the Abbotsford swimming program. Started coaching Abbotsford's speed skating program in 2006.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
No.
- 2008: associate coach for speed skating
- 2012, 2016, and 2020: head coach for speed skating
- 2010: associate coach for soccer
- 2014: SO Team BC medical mission staff
- 2018 mission staff for soccer
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?
Always an honour to represent SO Team BC at National Games, for these games so special for our athletes to be able to once again compete on the national stage following the pandemic.
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
To bring a united, best-prepared team of athletes and coaches for the sport of speed skating. To embrace all the National Games have to offer, to be fierce competitors and display sportsmanship in everything we do. To have an amazing, incredible fun time!!
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
There are so many, but I think the first time I represented SO Team Canada and marched out to that stadium.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
They feel honoured and fortunate, and I hope they see this as an opportunity to be the very best they can be, whether that is on the field of play or just getting to games or an experience they have at games.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your SO Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
Their training efforts. I am always amazed and impressed the drive and dedication our athletes commit to for National Games. I love the competition success stories but also the losses bring so much emotion. Looking forward to the fun and what our amazing mission staff will have planned for us.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
A great organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be involved and meet friends. There are opportunities to excel in many areas of life available. For volunteers, it is the best place where you can truly impact and make a difference in someone's life and before you know it, it is your life that has been impacted.