Special Olympics Ontario Scott Tennant Athlete

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1 Special Olympics Ontario Scott Tennant Scooter, as Scott is known by his peers, is a leader and a gifted speaker. His speeches at public events exude warmth and sincerity. He has won numerous medals and is known for his tough and tenacious play and has taken part in countless events to raise awareness for Special Olympics. Scott was awarded the London Sportsperson of the year in 2009, and was inducted into Guelph Sports Hall of Fame. Special Olympics Ontario Shirley Shaw Shirley Shaw has been an active participant in all aspects of Special Olympics for more than 10 years! Shirley s dedication and work ethic as a coach has been especially notable in the development of an elite swimming program for Special Olympics athletes in Simcoe. Fran Gillis "I love being a volunteer with Special Olympics PEI! Interacting with the athletes and experiencing their development socially and athletically is so rewarding! Special Olympics has taught me so much about acceptance and trying your best while still having fun!" - Fran Gillis Page 1 of 9

2 Alysia Angus Lunt The athletes in Special Olympics are the most caring, brave, inspiring, and hardworking people that you will ever come across. I'm very fortunate, I get to spend time with my athletes and help them achieve their goals, whether they are sport related or not. It's selfish really, they've taught me more than I've taught them. Alysia Angus Lunt Donna Campbell ing is a great way to give back to your community. ing with Special Olympics makes me a part of a team that is helping islanders reach their full potential through sport. The athletes continue to teach me so much about sport and life. Donna Campbell Janet Charchuk Janet Charchuk, of Alberton, PEI, has been involved with Special Olympics for 18 years in bowling, bocce and golf. She won a gold medal in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. Alyssa Chapman Alyssa Chapman has been involved with Special Olympics for 14 years, competing in swimming, soccer and figure skating. She won a silver medal at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. Page 2 of 9

3 Alan Gillis The attitude of Special Olympic athletes is inspiring. They try their best and like to win but what is most impressive, is the support they demonstrate for their fellow athletes. As a coach, I get more out of practices and competition from the athletes than I give and being able to share this with family is very special. Alan Gillis Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Crystal Young Crystal Young has been a member of Special Olympics Tri-Con Gentle Giants since Crystal took part in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games and won two gold medals in snowshoeing. Allie Price I like being part of Special Olympics. It s like being a part of a family. I know that the skills and encouragement I received from Special Olympics has helped me be brave enough to go after my goals. - Allie Price, 23-year-old athlete. Allie has been a Special Olympics athlete for 10 years and competes in soccer and golf. Page 3 of 9

4 Justin Lee Special Olympics is an inspiration and motivator in my own life. To a number of people around me, it has broken barriers and preconceived notions. - Justin Lee, Special Olympics in soccer and curling. Shannon Leonard I was drawn by the passion and enthusiasm displayed by Special Olympics athletes. - Shannon Leonard Shannon has been a volunteer with for three years as head coach and fundraising administrator. Nikki Gossman and Family Member I think, first and foremost, that it is important to give back to your community and personally having a sister with special needs I realize now that it really does take a community to raise a person and I know that there have been many good people that have touched hers and our lives. I just want to be able to be that person to someone else. Plus, let s be honest, it's a whole lot of fun! - Nikki Gossman. Nikki is not only a coach for 14 years, but is also an active member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for. Page 4 of 9

5 Special Olympics British Columbia Tom Norton Tom has been involved with Special Olympics for over 25 years, first with the Law Enforcement Torch Run and for the last decade as a coach. His excellence and dedication earned international recognition when he won the 2015 Special Olympics North America of the Year Award. Special Olympics British Columbia Mark Schnurr A coach for almost 30 years, Mark says Special Olympics has given him opportunities to create meaningful friendships and spend time with joyful athletes. The athletes give me so much joy, and just being around them is infectious. Special Olympics British Columbia Natasha Dawes Parent As a parent it reassured me that there was a future for my son in sports, and with that would also come plentiful relationships and experiences, says Dawes. I always walk away glad that I was there, looking forward to the next Special Olympics event, and with a huge smile in my heart. Natasha Special Olympics British Columbia Kyle Sanderson Kyle didn t get out of the house much before joining Special Olympics four years ago, but is now participating in sport programs, which has helped him develop social skills. It feels good to be able to communicate with other people, says Kyle, who competes in bocce, bowling, curling and swimming. Page 5 of 9

6 Cole Davis 62-year-old Cole is spreading the power and joy of sport to people with intellectual disabilities. Each week he dives into the pool to teach the importance of water safety and swimming skills to Special Olympics athletes. Being legally blind didn t stop Cole from volunteering with Special Olympics. Special Olympics Saskatchewan Terry Livingston Terry has been involved with Special Olympics for over 25 years and won a gold medal at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. One of his greatest accomplishments so far is being named speed skating Male of the Year, twice! Special Olympics has helped change Terry s life by allowing him to make new friends from different provinces across Canada. Special Olympics Saskatchewan Pam Sanderson In my past 20 years as a special education educator in Northern Saskatchewan, I have never witnessed a program that has had such a powerful positive impact in general on people. I witness amongst the participants of Special Olympics genuine gratitude shared for being provided opportunities to achieve one's personal bests and thankfulness for being allowed the opportunity to participate in developing, delivering and enjoying sporting events with our Northern communities. Special Olympics bring our communities together to celebrate our belief, which is, everyone deserves a chance to reach their fullest potential. Page 6 of 9

7 Special Olympics Manitoba Michael Milani An avid alpine skier, Michael also enjoys swimming, athletics, bowling, cycling, sailing and curling. Special Olympics has allowed Michael to meet new friends and experience the joy of sport. In his spare time, he likes to play basketball. Michael was excited to get a silver medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Austria in March. Special Olympics Manitoba Ron Struch Ron has been coaching Alpine Skiing with Special Olympics since When asked why he loves to coach, he says it is seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of athletes progressing, competing, and exceling in his/her sport. Special Olympics Quebec Alexia Barré Alexia has been participating in Special Olympics programs for 12 years. She was excited to receive a gold medal in alpine skiing at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. In her spare time, she loves to bake and also participate in athletics, basketball and soccer in her home community. Page 7 of 9

8 Special Olympics Québec Lucie Villeneuve and Parent of an athlete As a Special Olympics Québec volunteer for many years and as the parent of a child, Vincent, who is living with an intellectual disability and participates in Special Olympics, I am aware every day of the benefits of sports on his physical fitness, self-esteem and social integration in general. Special Olympics New Brunswick Jennifer Jackson Jennifer has been participating in Special Olympics programs for 31- years winning medals at National and World Games. Special Olympics has allowed Jennifer to meet other athletes, making friends and stay fit and healthy. When she s not participating in Special Olympics programs, Jennifer can be found driving her car, painting, doing crossword puzzles or dancing. Special Olympics Nova Scotia Cyril MacDonald Staples has given us so many opportunities within our local community. It allows our athletes to become involved in our corporate community through fundraising and partnership. Through our partnership, Staples has given our athletes the opportunities to travel to competitions that have far exceeded their own expectations. As a volunteer and a coach, their support has helped me to experience something I will never forget standing on the World stage watching our athletes shine with pride. Thank you Staples. Page 8 of 9

9 Special Olympics Nova Scotia Kailinda Stewart Kailey has been participating in Special Olympics programs for six years, Winning medals at National and World Games. Kailey says that since she found Special Olympics it has opened doors for her that she didn t realize existed. She loves giving back to the community and other skaters, and credits Special Olympics with giving her social skills, and allowing her to meet her coach, who has changed her life. Special Olympics Yukon Tijana McCarthy For Tijana, attending her first World Games and winning a silver medal made her immensely happy. Special Olympics has allowed her to make new friends and become more social. Figure Skating on the world stage and being a member of Team Canada made her very proud. When she s not participating in Special Olympics programs she loves to read and watch movies. Page 9 of 9