Amidst the global pandemic, Special Olympics athletes have been pursuing new hobbies to fill their time while they waited for sports to return. In some cases, these activities have included trying out a new exercise program, investing in a craft or creative project from home. For Chef Anthony Go, a Special Olympics Ontario athlete and culinary connoisseur, cooking is and …
Jason Scorcia has been involved with Special Olympics Ontario in his hometown community of Caledon for over 25 years. Throughout this time, Jason has become quite the multi-sport athlete, participating in baseball, hockey, soccer, bowling, bocce, golf and basketball. However, Jason’s passions are not limited to sports. Jason is also a true and enthusiastic advocate for the Special Olympics movement. …
2020 Special Olympics Ontario Coach of the Year! Rebecca Cuff first became involved with Special Olympics Ontario in 2010 as a coach in Swimming, and since then has also coached Athletics and Softball, and is celebrating her 10th anniversary of coaching this year! She says that her proudest accomplishments with Special Olympics actually happen all the time, when she sees …
2020 Special Olympics Ontario Coach of The Year! Larry Hitchcock became involved with Special Olympics Ontario in 2005, and has been a coach in basketball, 5-pin bowling, floor hockey, golf, and softball. He feels that his proudest accomplishments happen each time one of the athletes he coaches qualifies for Provincial or National Games, as well as when he was the …
2020 Special Olympics Ontario Coach of the Year! In 1993, Laura Woodall was introduced to Special Olympics programs through her work with the Quinte Blades speed skating programs, and has played an integral role in the club ever since. Her proudest accomplishment has been championing and advocating for athletes and their opportunities, especially as a meet organizer. In her time …
Coach Duane Carson first became a coach for Special Olympics Ontario – Newmarket based on his drive to both help others and share his coaching skills. “Looking back to the early stages, my interest was based on a need to help out people; a need to share a skill I have, with others; a need to give back, in whatever …
Coach Brenda Budarick of Special Olympics Ontario(SOO) – Arnprior finds happiness in her athletes which, in turn, has taught her valuable life lessons along the way. “Coaching SOO athletes is very gratifying. Depending on the athlete, it could be the simplest thing that makes them happy which in turn makes me happy.” Advocating for inclusion, Budarick believes all athletes should be …
Dianne Speed has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Ontario, Owen Sound for almost 25 years. In that time, Speed has and continues to provide a space for athletes to get involved, challenge their skills and most importantly, have fun. “Coaching with Special Olympics gives athletes a space to participate and challenge their skills without being afraid. The athletes can …
For coach Keith Nutley of Thunder Bay, being able to provide sport to Special Olympics athletes has presented an opportunity to give back to his community. From participating in local competition, to coaching at a national level and organizing initiatives like the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Keith is not only bettering his community but engaging and encouraging Special Olympics athletes …
“That summer was the summer I realized what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” “I started coaching Special Olympics when I was 16 years old. I found the opportunity while working as a Special Education lunch supervisor while I was in high school. I remember being nervous at my first practice. I was hoping to make …
