Ellen Bennett
Local / Community
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
Many many years ago, my younger brother was involved in Special Olympics Bowling. His experience inspired me to give back by volunteering with the organization. I volunteered with 5 pin Bowling.for a few years and as the volunteer coordinator for our local. When my second child came along, and then a career, I did not have the time to devote to volunteering. As life would have it, my daughter became a Special Olympics athlete so after I retired, I once again decided I needed to contribute. I started volunteering with 10 Pin Bowling. Then became a coach, and next thing you know, I’m the head coach for 10 Pin and sit on the local committee.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
This will be my first national games.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I feel incredibly honoured to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. It means I have the opportunity to see, first hand, growth in the athletes and the excitement and joy in their achievements.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
My goal is is that the athletes I am with have the time of their lives. Win or lose,I want them to have a positive experience and most of all, have fun! A few medals would be nice too.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite experience was seeing the athletes on our bowling team receive medals at the provincial games last year.. It was also a sad moment too as only one athlete in our zone did not get a medal.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general).
My athletes are very proud of themselves to be competing at national games. Their confidence in their abilities has grown tremendously as has their self-esteem. Competition makes them feel that, if they work hard enough, they can do anything.
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
I am excited to see the team improving their skills and their commitment to becoming stronger and support each other.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Special Olympics is a great, volunteer driven, organization that provides a real community for people with different abilities. it provides you with both an opportunity to make a difference and meet people who are genuinely happy that to see you. it is so much fun and you will just want to keep coning back.