To start off with I am not an accomplished Athlete, I’ve never even been entered into a Nordic Ski Race!! I am just a Special Olympics Cross Country Ski Coach. I say “just” because I am not the focus, I’m the guidance that gives the spotlight to our Athletes.
What got me into Special Olympics was being able to recognize the similarities between my personal abilities and the need for Coaching within our program. Special Olympics embodies the need for inclusivity and lifelong activity for persons with intellectual challenges, along with providing the organizational support to help make that happen.
18yrs ago I recognized that my leadership skills were something that I could offer to Special Olympics Muskoka. Whether it’s at the local Team level every Sunday at Arrowhead, or coaching with the Provincial, National and World travelling Teams, I’m continually motivated by the dedication SO Athletes put into succeeding… That’s what encourages me to be the best Coach & person I can be.
I once had an opportunity to travel to Provincial Games in Cornerbrook with an almost non-verbal athlete who had never travelled outside his hometown. The affect those Games had on him impacted my life beyond belief… by the time those Games where over that athlete was able to say 4 new words. Those words were Airplane, Cornerbrook, Ski and Champion, which reminds me every day of the impact that my coaching has had on our Special Olympics athletes. Those words changed his life forever…
Whether just reaching out to hold a hand when they’re down or cheering until I lose my voice, my efforts give these Athletes a new pride in themselves to achieve their goals.
I coach for them, but they are the inspiration in my life, and I thank them for being so wonderful every day.