Jamie Carpenter
Local / Community
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I was previously the co-event director with Motionball Kelowna, which led me to volunteering and coaching with Special Olympics Kelowna. Since then I have coached, sat on our local committee and now heading to Nationals as Mission Staff!
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
Yes!
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
That I’m apart of the Special Olympics family. Seeing these athletes thrive, foster new relationships with fellow athletes and coaches is truly an remarkable experience.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
To be the mission staff support and helping hand our team needs to ensure everyone has fun at Nationals :)
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Crying at the back of a school bus on our way back to the school after our dance at PG Provincial Games. An athlete expressed to me that without coaches and volunteers that he wouldn’t be where he is today.
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
Fostering relationships and building skills.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Do it! It’s the most fulfilling experience. There is no bad days with Special Olympics.