Jennifer Fyfe
Local Community
Vancouver
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I started coaching in September 2015. I was looking for an opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful and fun way. I came across Special Olympics on the Go Volunteer website and it was the perfect fit for me.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
I coached at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I was an assistant coach for rhythmic gymnastics.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
Being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 is incredibly meaningful for myself as Head Coach of the rhythmic gymnastics team. We have a very large team and I'm honoured that SOBC has the confidence in me to lead such a large team. I look forward to the challenges ahead and watching the athletes grow throughout the experience. Being part of the team is a chance to learn new things and provide a positive experience for the athletes and coaches.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
My goal for the Special Olympics National Games is to provide a positive and successful experience for the athletes and coaches. I want the athletes to go home bursting with confidence and pride of accomplishment. Hopefully the athletes and coaches will have a ton of fun along the way as well!
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
I have two favourite moments from my years of coaching.
My first is when our Special Olympics Team Canada rhythmic gymnastics team won the gold medal for the group floor routine at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany. This win was such a testament to the teamwork and support between the athletes. They put in the work and constantly encouraged each other along the way. I was bursting with pride when the four athletes took the stage to accept their medals.
My second favourite moment is when a parent told me that their daughter keeps repeating "I'm capable" whenever she is doing something challenging or new outside of practice. This comes from me constantly telling the athletes they are "perfectly capable" of doing whatever skill or choreography I have presented them with. I was so happy to hear that my encouragement was resonating with more than just rhythmic gymnastics.
Both were incredible experiences!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
Competing at National Games provides the Athletes with an opportunity to grow as a person and as an athlete. They will be challenged in new ways and will hopefully come away with greater confidence in their abilities in both sport and life. The grandness of the event allows each athlete to feel like a super star, and their smiles are evidence of this!
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
I am excited to see our rhythmic gymnastics athletes build confidence and strengthen their skills. I also look forward to watching new friendships develop between new teammates.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Volunteering with Special Olympics is an opportunity to make real change. Whether it is through encouraging healthy habits or offering encouragement to try new things, a difference can be made!