Daniel Rozek
Local Community
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
In the winter of 2023-24, I went cross-country skiing and met the Special Olympics ski team. I decided to join because I was an athlete, and I stopped taekwondo (teaching and training) during the pandemic.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
Yes. This is my first Special Olympics Canada Games competition.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
In my 3,000m, I had a time of 12:13.24, earning 2nd place. In my 800m, my time was 02:49.24, landing me in 1st place. I ran a 01:05.53 in my 400m, finishing in 2nd place. For shot put (4kg), my distance was 9.2400m, getting me 3rd place. Finally, for long jump, I travelled 3.2300m. I finished in 5th place for that event.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
It makes me feel like my athletic training is paying off.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To get selected for the World Games.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
I enjoyed cycling to Special Olympics and back. I have made several new friends.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I prefer the sports that depend on body power and include long distances, like track and field, cycling, and hiking.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
You make lots of new friends.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
My annual records of 2025 are as follows: running - 514km, cycling - 2382km, 84 Geocaches.
I am an athlete, software developer, black belt in taekwondo, and I have taught taekwondo for 7 years.