Michael Riddalls
Local / Community
Port Alberni
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I started coaching Special Olympics athletes in 2016 because my daughter is a Special Olympics athlete. Our local needed track and field coaches.
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 SO Canada Games.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I am excited to be part of this talented team and look forward to the challenge of supporting our athletes' development. I'm excited to help them be the best they can be.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
I want to support our athletes in reaching their full potential, enhance my learning as a coach through participation in our leadership team, provide a strong leadership presence, and build relationships within our team
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Watching the smiles on athletes' faces on the podium when they receive their medals.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
Sports give our athletes an opportunity to shine and demonstrate their abilities to family, friends, fellow competitors, and the general public. They develop friendships and expand their horizons through participation in sports. Competition helps them gain confidence, healthy habits and encourages them to set goals.
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
I am excited to see goal setting, hard work to achieve goals, and personal growth in our athletes.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Being part of Special Olympics is a rewarding experience. Seeing the smiles on athletes' faces when they are competing is a reward in itself. They are a wonderful group to work with and you will have the opportunity to transform their lives through sports and empower them to reach their full potential.