Tiffany Bjorndal
Local Community
Penticton
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I started to join in 2002, playing with the Penticton Special Olympics softball team, but found swimming more challenging and fun. I wanted to compete with individuals who have intellectual disabilities like me, and I have lots of friends who are also in the Special Olympics, so I joined them. My cousin, who is a Penticton 5 pin bowling coach, got me in originally.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
I competed at the 2006 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Brandon, Manitoba, for softball. In 2018, I competed as a swimmer at the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This year will be my third Nationals.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
My results were wonderful. I achieved personal best race times, I won 2 Gold in 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke, 2 Silver in 100m freestyle and 25m breaststroke, and a Bronze in 25m backstroke. I felt like I have accomplished what I needed to do at Provincials, and I was very proud of myself.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
It means a lot to me because I’m representing the entire province and competing against other athletes across Canada, which is really a big deal. I am looking forward to meeting these other athletes across Canada.
What is your goal for these National Games?
I would really like to compete as hard as I can and make it to the Special Olympics World Summer Games next year to represent Canada, I also want to make sure that I have fun and meet new people.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
I have enjoyed practicing with my teammates in my home pool and also learning new skills on how to swim better and harder.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
Mostly competing not just against other athletes, but against myself, and to striving to get better each time.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
We pick each other up and cheer on for everyone.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
Outside of Special Olympics, I am a part of a dragon boat team. That is the first team I have been on with individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, the majority of our team are Special Olympic athletes of Penticton, and we call ourselves the Flying Dragons. I am also a housekeeper at one of Penticton’s motels.