Carol Erkila
Local Community
Richmond
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved as a child when I was growing up in Sudbury, ON. My mother volunteered with Special Olympics regularly and took me to all of the local events.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
No. I participated as an athlete in cross-country skiing in Canmore, Alberta in 1996, 10-pin bowling in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 2000, cross-country skiing in the National Winter Games in Gatineau, Quebec in 2000, cross-country skiing in Saskatoon in 1992, and cross-country skiing in World Winter Games in Austria in 1992. I have many medals including one Gold from Austria.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I came third in 10-pin bowling. I felt pretty good because I did my best.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I get to travel, make new friends, and see a new place - Medicine Hat. It will be fun going together with the team.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To do my best to try to win.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Winning Gold at the World Winter Games in Austria in 1992.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I like that it's fun and a challenge to see if I can improve.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Join a sport you enjoy! Also, make new friends and get involved as much as possible.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I am a happy sociable person who enjoys meeting with my friends to play sports, eat together, go to movies, and to encourage them to continue to do well in everything. I also like to volunteer with a local self advocacy group. We helped write a book together. That was very rewarding.