Join Special Olympics BC for National Coaches Week as we spotlight coach Sandra Schuffert 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.
Schuffert says her favourite part about coaching is the athletes. “I have never met a group that is so determined, optimistic, loving and big-hearted,” she says. “I am a better person because I have the athletes in my life.”
Schuffert was first introduced to Special Olympics when her son became a SOBC athlete 12 years ago. She helped when needed and was eventually encouraged by his swim coach to become an assistant coach on the team.
“I didn’t look back,” she said. Now, in addition to her assistant coach duties, she is a head coach for SOBC – Smithers snowshoeing and athletics.
She learned from coaching to never give up. “I got better at aiming for a specific goal, taking time to listen and understand and not be afraid to ask questions,” she says.
When asked about her favourite coaching experiences, Schuffert says two moments stand out for her. “It always amazes me when I witness an athlete succeed and I can see how proud they are,” she said.
One moment was when an athlete ran 100 metres for the first time. "It took us a while to get there,” she said. “I screamed so much I lost my voice, and he was all smiles and said: ‘Who just ran really fast?’”
The other moment was seeing her son run the 5k snowshoeing event at Nationals and beat his personal best by almost two minutes.
“I arrive at the field after a busy day and my athletes make me smile and forget about all the not important stresses in my life,” she says. “I absolutely love celebrating all the successes – no matter how big or small – with my athletes and fellow coaches.”
Thank you for the tremendous positive impact you have on your community!