Jean Scholefield
Local / Community
Cowichan Valley
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
My daughter started at age 16 with 5-pin bowling. I would come to support her and ended up helping each week. I became a 5-pin coach, then joined the local committee in 2001.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
2006 Summer Games as a parent,
2018 Summer Games as coach for 5-pin
2024 Winter Games as co-coach for 5-pin
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I am so excited to be asked to coach a team of 10-pin bowlers. I am thrilled that SOBC saw the potential in me to be a coach for Special Olympics Team BC 2026.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
For all of my athletes to enjoy the experience and have success in their sport.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
In 2014, I was the training coach for the Cowichan Valley 5-pin bowling team that was going to Nationals. I went to Vancouver to attend all of their games, then watched them receive Silver as a team. Several individual earned medals as well. I was so proud.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
It shows them that all of their hard work and practice earned them a spot in the next level of competition. For 4/5 of the athletes, it was their first Provincials, so it was very exciting to advance the next year.
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
Watching them grow into a team. Each bowler is from a different local, so I'm looking forward to learning to work together.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Come to a practice. You will be welcomed. It's a great way to get involved.