Frank van den Berg is Inspiring PEAK Performance

Reaching new heights is something that Frank van den Berg continues to do, but helping others reach their peak is something that he was born to do. Frank first got involved with Special Olympics in 2010 as a member of Team Alberta, providing mental training and support services for the team during the Games in London, Ont. His passion for … Read More

Brad Cotmen is Ready to Reignite the LETR Flame

The Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is gearing up for the return of many of their cornerstone events over the next year and one volunteer who is dedicated to helping reignite that spark is Brad Cotmen. Brad was introduced to LETR eight years ago through his induction training with the Alberta Sheriffs Branch and was immediately hooked. “I see … Read More

Helping Athletes Hit Their Goals is a Daily Routine for Todd Mitchell

From the moment he started coaching with Special Olympics Alberta-Edmonton, Todd Mitchell has been making a difference in the lives of athletes. His journey began in 2009 after registering his stepson Jaimee for alpine skiing. Jaimee is deaf and autistic, so Todd was asked to ski with him as none of the coaches knew to sign. After hitting the slope … Read More

From Grassroots to Games, Kristen Sept is Helping Pave the Way

Grassroots programming is at the core of Special Olympics, and in Medicine Hat, the movement is thriving due to dedicated volunteers like Kristen Sept. Kristen’s journey with Special Olympics started in high school when she signed up to volunteer at a local program and 16 years later, she is more involved than ever before. Special Olympics is an amazing organization … Read More

Meet the Pack: Marie Powell

Marie has been heavily involved with Special Olympics ever since she joined nine years ago and will be heading to her third straight National Games for Team Alberta. Her start in Special Olympics happened as a bit of a fluke when she was looking to do some volunteer work and, after her first day in track and field was hooked. … Read More

Jocelyn Leesman and the Special Olympics Winter Wonderland

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