Patricia Dunn
Local / Community
Oceanside
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
We would take our son to Special Olympics, and he really enjoyed the camaraderie, so we signed him up and haven’t looked back. We are coming up to 9 years now.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
No, I was fortunate enough to be asked to coach a 5-pin bowling team at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary in 2024.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
It is hard to put into words how much I get from SO. It means learning new sports, meeting the most amazing people, and having the best time.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
I hope to support my athlete to feel confident, encouraged, and prepared to do her very best, win or lose.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
A bit selfish on my part, but my hometown is Calgary, and to be able to take a team to the National Games after witnessing the 1988 Winter Olympics was so fun. Nothing beats watching all the athletes coming together at the closing ceremonies dance!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
That is a tough question, she is not overly emotional, but after winning gold at the Provincial Games, I watched her stand in front of the mirror just staring at her medal with a gleam in her eyes. She loves all her sports, and she tries her very best at all things.
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
I am excited about learning strategies to help our athletes have their best experiences. I am also excited about learning from my peers about what works for them and what doesn’t.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Your heart will thank you a million times over.