Hannah Taylor
Local / Community
Campbell River
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
When I was 12, I received information on different programs that I could participate in and Special Olympics was one of them. Rhythmic Gymnastics was the first sport I signed up for. I had taken a few different types of dance classes, the main one being highland dance. And I thought Rhythmic Gymnastics would be a bit like dance. I have been doing Rhythmic Gymnastics ever since.
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 ever national competition. I'm competing in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I got a bronze in Level 3 clubs and ball, which are two of the apparatuses in Rhythmic Gymnastics. I also got a bronze for overall performance. All in all, I felt good about my performance.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I was so excited to be chosen for the team. I have a goal of going to Worlds someday, and this a big step towards reaching that goal.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To strengthen some of my current friendships, make new friends, and hopefully come home with at least one medal.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
It was exciting for me to win medals alongside my teammates at Provincials last summer.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I like that Rhythmic Gymnastics has a lot of similarities to dance. I like when I get familiar enough with the choreography of a new set of routines that I can get through it with little to no mistakes.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Special Olympics is a good way to make friends and there's a variety of different sports. It's also fun to attend competitions and cheer on your teammates. In addition to that, you might get to go to new places.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I work at a children's centre as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant. I love it there. I have lots of hobbies. Some of them are: crocheting, music, reading, and travelling. In my free-time, I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.