Join Special Olympics BC for National Coaches Week as we spotlight swimming coach Penny Coyle and other coaches across the province who make a difference in the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities, their families and other volunteers every single day.
Coyle says coaching for SOBC—Kimberly/Cranbook is something she looks forward to every week. “I can be tired after a long day or week at work, and once I get to the pool, my athletes just flip a switch,” she says. “It is the most enjoyable and rewarding volunteer job I have.”
Although she coaches swimming, the athletes aren’t the only ones who learn during practices and games. “The athletes have taught me what hard work and perseverance means,” she says. “They teach you how to see the good in everything.”
Coyle first got involved in Special Olympics BC when she was actively seeking out volunteer opportunities. She saw an advertisement for SOBC coaching, and coupled with her previous swim and volunteer experience, the rest is history.
She says her favourite SOBC experiences have been at competitions, having been involved in Regional Qualifiers, Provincial Games and National Games. “I love being there with athletes, seeing their joy in the competition, how hard they work and the friendships they make,” she says. “The friendships I have made with athletes and coaches from different regions are long-lasting.”
Although her favourite experiences have been in coaching at competitions, she says the part about Special Olympics she loves most is the athletes. “The athletes are amazing individuals, and they let you know every time you see them how much they appreciate you,” she says. “Volunteering for Special Olympics is the most rewarding thing that you can do.”
Thank you for the tremendous positive impact you have on your community!