Crystal Thompson
Local Community
Nanaimo
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
My journey began in 1992 when my Auntie Betty got me involved with Special Olympics figure skating. That was 34 years ago now.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
This will be my sixth time going to Nationals. I went to the Canada Winter Games for figure skating: Calgary 1996, Ottawa 2000, and Whitehorse 2007. I also have been to the Summer Games for 10-pin bowling: London 2010, Athens Greece World Summer Games 2011, and Vancouver 2014.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I earned two Bronze medals, one in the doubles event and one in the single event. I feel I did my best with my performance.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I am looking forward to being part of the Team BC 2026 group and enjoying my time with everyone.
What is your goal for these National Games?
My goal for the National Games is to do my best and have a great time.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite experience to date is being on Team Canada.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I like that 10-pin bowling allows me to be indoors to compete.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I would encourage them to come and try it, have fun, and meet new people.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I started beading in 2011 when I made Team Canada with Special Olympics for 10-pin bowling. When you travel with Special Olympics, athletes are given pins to trade with others from around the world. It doesn’t take long to run out of pins!
When I qualified for the Summer National Games, I made friendship bracelets to trade. After competing at Nationals, I qualified for Team Canada to compete in Greece. I wanted to bring something special and meaningful to trade, so I searched YouTube for ideas and created beaded keychains featuring “Canada” and “Nanaimo.”
When I began trading at the Games, everyone wanted one of my keychains. Athletes and coaches asked if I could make more in different colours to represent different teams, and many offered to support me by purchasing them. That’s when I realized my beadwork was something truly special.
I continue to compete in 10-pin bowling, and my beading has become very popular within the community. I retired from Special Olympics figure skating after 21 years and later played ice hockey until the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown, I focused even more on my beading as a creative outlet to pass the time.
In 2023, a friend invited me to join her at a market and bring my beadwork. That was the beginning of my business, Cats Bead Jewelry.
Today, I create beaded fashion jewelry, Indigenous-inspired designs, small gift items, and custom special orders. What began as something to trade with fellow athletes has grown into a business built on creativity, culture, and connection.