Ann McCabe

YEARS INVOLVED WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS: I was an active volunteer and coach with Special Olympics for 25 years starting as the secretary when the local began in 1984.

WHAT IS YOUR VOLUNTEER POSITION: I volunteer as needed.  During the 25 years, I have worn many hats.   I was a swim manager, soccer manager & snowshoe manager & coach and a rhythmic gymnastic coach, as well as a scorekeeper at bowling for several years.   I held the position of the coordinator for 4 years and the regional coordinator for 3 years; I put out a newsletter for about 6 years and also looked after the coach’s certification and courses for a number of years.    With the help of many other people, I organized a soccer tournament that ran annually for 11 years and a snowshoe tournament that also ran annually for 10 years.    Over the last couple of years, because of other commitments in my life, I have taken a much smaller roll in volunteering.  I  sat on the awards committee for three years and have stepped down from that this year.

HOW YOU BECAME INVOLVED: I got involved in Special Olympics because I thought it would be a good thing for my daughter Susan both from a physical fitness and social perspective and felt, if I wanted this for her, then I would have to help make it happen.

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: It is difficult for me to find the words to express how much I have enjoyed my participation over these many years.  The lasting friendships I have made and the feeling of having done something for the community in which I live, has made the commitment over the years worthwhile.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OR EVENT AS A VOLUNTEER: Special Olympics was such a big part of my life for so many years, it is difficult to pick one memorable moment but I think the most satisfying moments were seeing how much the athletes, from all over the lower mainland and the Island,  enjoyed themselves while competing in our soccer & snowshoe tournaments.