What Special Olympics means to me...     Back to the top

Why do I like Special Olympics? It's fun, and good for my health. I like making new friends and getting lots of fresh air and exercise. My family is always right there beside me. The coaches are so good to me too.
Marika Smart : snowshoeing and rhythmic gymnastics

Special Olympics is seeing everyone have fun and having fun in the sports. If you do not win from the competition, you try your very best and go and have fun. You are there to meet friends and enjoy yourself and everyone is happy if you do not put yourself down.
-Kim Blakeney

Lots of people and challenge in my sports. Meeting with friends and going to tournaments.
-Wayne Pond

I think Special Olympics are good for athletes like me. It gives us exercise and we get to meet new athletes who have never been in Special Olympics. I think I am a good role model for other athletes because I get along well with them and try to help them. I think our volunteers and sponsors are big supporters of Special Olympics. Without them we, we would not have a Special Olympics program in Ottawa.
Thank you!
- Joanne Smith

I joined the floor hockey team of the Special Olympics five years ago. The following year I joined the bowling, soccer and baseball teams. I have always enjoyed sports and Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to participate in the sports I enjoy. I like traveling to the tournaments and participating in special events. It has also given me the chance to meet new people and I have made many new friends.

Two years ago I was asked to represent floor hockey on the Ottawa Special Olympics council. I bring issues that my fellow team members have to the council. I like participating in the council meetings and learning more about Special Olympics.
- Alvin Hendrickson

Sometimes we go to Kingston, Collins Bay, Petawawa, and other places. We do competitions. We go and have fun. Sometimes there are sports banquets. I love sports in the Special Olympics.
- Richard Ralph

I am keeping my oath to Special Olympics. Sometimes I go to tournaments or game meets in Special Olympics. For swimming and skiing or floor hockey tournaments in Pembroke. Sometimes I am not a loser or a winner. I like socializing with other teams.
- Ildiko Fejes

Special Olympics means to learn and to get better at a sport. To work as a team. To go to fun meets and meet new friends.
- Jennifer Harris