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
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
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: 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