National Volunteer Week News

Crystal Williams est athlète d’Olympiques spéciaux depuis maintenant 16 ans. Pendant cette période, elle a participé aux programmes de curling et de boccia, a fait du bénévolat à des Jeux provinciaux et a même rencontré celui qui est devenu son mari, Matthew Williams, et qui a récemment été nommé Athlète de l’année 2020 d’Olympiques spéciaux Canada. Il va sans dire qu’Olympiques spéciaux a joué un rôle marquant dans la vie de Crystal. 

When the pandemic put a pause on in-person programming, Special Olympics Alberta was quick to pivot to virtual support with the help of many dedicated volunteers. Together, they created the Provincial Exercise and Activity Knockout Program – known as PEAK – to help athletes stay engaged, connected, active and healthy. The program has now run two eight-week seasons challenging athletes to hit their selected fitness goals and attend virtual sessions to enhance their fitness, mind and health through a variety of activities.

Crystal Williams has been a part of Special Olympics for the past 16 years. During that time, she’s competed in curling and bocce, volunteered at Provincial Games and even met her now husband, Matthew Williams, who just received recognition as Special Olympics Canada Athlete of the Year in 2020. Needless to say, Special Olympics has had a significant impact in Crystal’s life. 

When Melissa Tobin started Medical School last year, she didn’t even question continuing her role as a Special Olympics swim coach. Although the 23-year-old knew her first year studying medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland was a major time commitment, Monday night swim practice was just as important.

Langley’s Jayne Burton has been volunteering for Special Olympics British Columbia for the past 10 years. She originally signed up to help her son Christian, a Special Olympics BC – Langley athlete...

From my volunteer and coaching experience, I have become more empathetic, patient and understanding. I am better at problem solving and quick thinking.

Alberta’s Martin McSween was introduced to Special Olympics 30 years ago while working at a group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Drumheller.

MEET SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN'S JILL DOBBIN

Special Olympics Saskatchewan coach Jill Dobbin started volunteering in Kindersley when she was just...

I volunteer for ME! The pure joy and love of life experienced through interacting with our athletes is unmatched anywhere else.