ASSISTANT COACH: POWERLIFTING 

PROVINCE:  Manitoba

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

For 8 years.

How is your life different since joining Special Olympics?

Coaching with Special Olympics has allowed me to grow as both a coach and as an individual. It has taught me how to be more compassionate, creative, and how to live a more genuine life. The athletes never fail to put a smile on my face, and I can't imagine my life without being a part of Special Olympics!

What do you like most about the sport you will be competing in at Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023?

Powerlifting is one of those sports where you can see the true grit and determination on an athletes face when they are competing. There is no hiding how hard each athlete is grinding to lift the most weight they can and its so inspiring to watch! The community of lifters is always amazing, and the camaraderie is second to none! Even your closest competitors cheer you on while you're lifting!

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

I think its a toss up between seeing one of the athletes in our local powerlifting club finally learn how to deadlift after two years, and being selected to the Special Olympics Team Canada Training Squad as an assistant coach, and the first female coach to ever go for powerlifting!.

What does Special Olympics and attending World Games mean to you?

The opportunity to represent my country makes me so proud as a Canadian, and the fact that I get to support our athletes while they compete on the international stage is surreal.

What is your goal for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023?

To help our powerlifting athletes be the best they possibly can be leading up to games and at competition, and to help give everyone an experience of a lifetime that they won't forget! I also hope to grow as a coach, and to learn as much as I can from the amazing humans around me!