INSPIRATIONAL. MOTIVATIONAL. DEDICATED. ALL STAR COACH. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe Special Olympics Alberta (SOA) coach, Marie Powell. Marie’s journey with SOA began in 2010 as a volunteer with the Active Start program after discovering it at a volunteer fair. “I felt it was a good fit for me, as I … Read More
Bringing Coaching to the Next Level
It is hard to imagine the progress of Special Olympics Alberta (SOA) over the past 28 years without Jodi Flanagan and her impact as a coach and volunteer. As she entered the Shouldice Arena, at just 21-years-old, Jodi was not expecting the moment that would ultimately change her life. Jodi was greeted at the rink by a speed-skating athlete who … Read More
Pat Enns: Inspiring Athletes One Spare at a Time
“A GOOD COACH CAN CHANGE A GAME. A GREAT COACH CAN CHANGE A LIFE.” – JOHN WOODEN Special Olympics Alberta has been blessed with incredible coaches since our inception in 1980 and like the great John Wooden once proclaimed a great coach can change a life – Pat Enns is the epitome of this statement. For the past 26 years … Read More
Blaine Stodolka is Carrying the Flame of Hope to an Inclusive Tomorrow
The fire burned brightly as Blaine Stodolka, a Guardian of the Flame, clutched the Flame of Hope on his journey across PEI to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships on May 15. 12 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) officers and two Special Olympics athletes traveled from tip-to-tip to share hope and light throughout the province and to raise awareness … Read More
The Charlie Cramer Memorial Award
Special Olympics Alberta prides itself on five key values: inclusion, diversity, empowerment, respect, and excellence. These values defined what Charlie Cramer represented in his work with Special Olympics. Charlie Cramer was an active member of Special Olympics Alberta and the Grande Prairie affiliate for over 20 years working as a volunteer, coach, and serving as the Affiliate Chair for past three … Read More