YEARS INVOLVED WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS: I have been involved with Special Olympics seven years as a parent and six as a volunteer.
WHAT IS YOUR VOLUNTEER POSITION: I volunteer in Track and Field and in Rhythmic Gymnastics. For the past three years I have been the Level 1 coach in Rhythmic Gymnastics. I was the secretary for several years with many thanks to Margot McLaughlin for her backup. This fall Louise Verrall and I are taking on the new role of Athlete Development Coordinators.
HOW YOU BECAME INVOLVED: Susan and Danielle Juilfs encouraged my daughter, Kara, to give Special Olympics a try in April, 2004. Kara, my husband and I have been involved ever since.
WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: Volunteering in Special Olympics has meant becoming part of a friendly, upbeat and inclusive community. I enjoy the general atmosphere of good will and getting to know the athletes and their families and the other volunteers. I enjoy having the chance to pass on what I know and to learn more. Most of all, I enjoy seeing the athletes develop their abilities and skills in the practices and then go on to reinforce and enhance them in competition.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OR EVENT: There have been many memorable moments and events. In the past year there was watching Keegan eat up the track at the June meet in Richmond, wheelbarrow races at the Track and Field windup, watching our Rhythmic Gymnastics team compete in April; Briane, Tanya and Caity for the first time and the exciting March Madness basketball tournament. And last summer, watching Kara run her best 800 ever, and Danielle perform her Level II routines so beautifully, at Nationals in London, Ontario…to name a few!