Years involved with Special Olympics: 10
Sport(s) you coach: Active Start and FUNdamentals
How you became involved: While attending university in New Brunswick I was required to complete 20 hours of community work to graduate. I loved sport and wanted to give back so decided to use my 20 hours at the Local Special Olympics soccer program. After the 20 hours had expired I stayed on to also coach bowling and athletics. In the summer after my graduation a position became available at Special Olympics New Brunswick as the Program Director. I applied and received the job and worked for SONB for 5.5 years before moving to BC and taking on the position of Manager of Sport and Youth Development with SOBC. I have been in BC for the past 3 years and continue to enjoy working with Special Olympics BC’s younger athletes.
What do I like about coaching Special O athletes: The opportunity to interact with the athletes and watch them grow in their athletic abilities and also as people.
Best accomplishments: Watching Oliver Sutherland jump for the first time at the North Shore Active Start program or being named to Team Canada as a mission staff and attending the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. It is a toss up!