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
Meet the Pack: Eleanor Saubak
The youngest Team Alberta figure skater this year has been skating since she was five-years-old and, now at 14, Eleanor Saubak will be looking to make the most of her first National games. After skating with Special Olympics for the past six years, her experience proved to be extremely beneficial, as she was able to overcome the challenges of going … Read More
Meet the Pack: Mitchell Banks
Camrose 5-pin bowler, Mitchell Banks has been hitting the lanes with Special Olympics for the past 8 years and after an incredible performance with the Camrose Strike Force at Provincials he will be heading to his first Nationals. Mitchell bowls with his Strike Force teammates under the tutelage of Team Alberta bowling coach Faye St. Onge and Special Olympics Alberta-Camrose … Read More
Meet the Pack: Brock Jesse
Team Alberta’s influx of young talent extends to the cross-country skiing team with the addition of Brock Jesse. It will be Brock’s second time competing at Nationals after a stellar debut in 2016 at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook. At just 16-years-old he was able to compete with the country’s best, reaching the podium multiple times. … Read More
Meet the Pack: Brandon Senkiw
At just 24-years-old, Edmonton’s own 5-pin bowler Brandon Senkiw is ready to step into the spotlight at his first Nationals next month in Thunder Bay. Our Meet the Pack series continues with one of our youngest Team Alberta bowlers in Brandon who after 11 years in Special Olympics is ready for the next level of competition. “It makes me feel … Read More
Meet the Pack: Jan Pydde
The floor hockey team in Wetaskiwin will be well-prepared, well-trained, and ready to play their hearts out thanks to the 30 years of experience that Associate Coach Jan Pydde brings to the table. Jan’s journey with Special Olympics started in 1995, volunteering with the 5-pin bowling program in Leduc. Four years later she became more involved after enrolling her son … Read More
Meet the Pack: Katie Saunders
Katie Saunders is no stranger when it comes to competing on the National stage. For Katie, Team Alberta 2020 marks the sixth time she will don the Alberta crest and represent her province. She has competed at the last two Special Olympics Canada Summer Games – Vancouver in 2014 and Antigonish in 2018 – as a member of the athletics … Read More