Thank you to everyone who submitted their wonderful designs for our the annual holiday card contest. We had 42 entries this year and we plan to share them over the next 12 days to celebrate the skills of our athletes. This year’s winner was Jocelyn Leesman from Special Olympics Alberta-Calgary who painted a Special Olympics Winter Wonderland. Her art will be featured as … Read More
Makayla Watt is Diving Head First into Her Role as Head Coach
It is National Coaches Week and we want to celebrate grassroots coaches making a difference in the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province. Makayla Watt is a new coach with Special Olympics Alberta-Edmonton and her journey started in 2019, when she began coaching the beginner swim program. After seeing the enthusiasm and pride her friends took in … Read More
Curious about Special Olympics? Register for Marathon of Sport, says Calgary coach and motionballer Tracy Le
To celebrate National Coaches Week Sept 19 to 27, we are thanking our 14,000 volunteer coaches across the country by sharing some of their inspiring stories. Their unwavering support helps Special Olympics athletes build the confidence, determination and strength to take on any challenge in sport – and in life. Meet Special Olympics Alberta coach Tracy Le When Special Olympics … Read More
Debbie Rice is Dedicated and Determined to Improving the Lives of Athletes
It is National Coaches Week and we want to celebrate grassroots coaches making a difference in the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province. In 1993, Debbie Rice was part of a precision skating team in Calgary competing in the annual Rose Bowl. During the intermission, a group of Special Olympics skaters took to the ice to perform … Read More
Meet the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association: Champions of Inclusion – and Unified Sports
In honour of Global Week of Inclusion, Special Olympics is celebrating homegrown Champions of Inclusion: Canadians leading the charge for respecting and embracing all abilities – not just in sports, but in the workforce, in schools, everywhere! All Champions of Inclusion were nominated by the public for how they #ChooseToInclude every day of the year. Meet this Alberta Champion of … Read More
From hiring Special Olympics athletes to supporting programs and events, Tim Hortons is a true Champion of Inclusion
Special Olympics Calgary athlete Alex Arthur has been a Tim Hortons employee for nearly five years – and he’s felt like a valued team member since Day One. “I have lots of friends there,” said Alex, 28, who works as a Lobby Attendant keeping the restaurant clean for guests. “I am part of the team.” The team also recognizes … Read More
It’s been 30 years and counting for this Special Olympics Alberta alpine ski coach
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. A number of the home’s residents participated in Special Olympics track and field, so McSween offered to drive them to practice. A former athlete and certified coach, McSween was asked to help on the field that … Read More
Meet the Pack: Jon Gurr
He takes a breath, checks his stance, and blocks out the sound, as he steps up to the lane. It is the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2020 and the alley is bustling here at Nationals as Jon Gurr readies himself to bowl another strike. This is a moment he has been building towards the past six years with Special … Read More
Meet the Pack: Emma Bittorf
At just 16-years-old Emma Bittorf can already say that she is an Olympic silver medalist. The Special Olympics Alberta-Calgary athlete is fresh off an appearance at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi where she walked away with a silver medal in golf. She will be looking to continue her competition hot streak, as she laces up … Read More
Meet the Pack: Kyla Henwood
Wetaskiwin will be icing a 15-player floor hockey team this year in Thunder Bay and Kyla Henwood will be the only girl on the team. “I AM THE ONLY GIRL GOING TO NATIONALS ON MY TEAM. SO IT’S PRETTY NICE, THE FACT THAT I MADE IT HERE ON MY OWN. IT FEELS GOOD (BEING THE ONLY GIRL). I CAN PROVE … Read More