Brodie Special O Team Wins Bronze Medal at Nationals

Special Olympics Curling Promotes Fun, Camaraderie, and Sense of Adventure
by Debbie McKeown

“Quebec, prepare to be Nathan-ized!!!” Standing in an endless airport line after the long trip from Victoria, volunteer coach Barry Loney and his team of Special Olympics curlers erupted into laughter at this pronouncement from the team’s exuberant skip Nathan Bodie. Barry Loney travelled to the 2008 Special Olympics National Winter Games in Quebec City hoping his team would do well enough to bring a medal back to British Columbia. But Nathan has set the tone…in actual fact, the bronze medal they won was a secondary goal. What’s more important is the fun, camaraderie and sense of adventure these athletes with intellectual disabilities bring to every session, whether it be a practice, local bonspiel, or national competition.

One of Barry’s team members, Winnie Whitman, like many Special Olympics athletes, participates in multiple sports and is loath to pick a favourite because she loves them all. She is thrilled that her curling skills have improved under Barry’s instruction, but is most enthusiastic when describing the fun she has with Special Olympics, the new friends she has made, the confidence she has developed and the trips she has taken. Long-time Special Olympics athlete Bill White adds that he also appreciates the opportunity to be active, busy and fit. Special Olympics has been a positive force throughout Bill’s life and he would encourage anyone, athlete or volunteer, to get involved.

Although Barry brought an established background in curling to Special Olympics, he also had the opportunity to work his way through the coach training program offered by the organization. Special Olympics provides training through the National Coaching Certification Program which involves both technical and theoretical education. The standards are high, ensuring a quality experience for coaches and excellent benefits to the athletes. A variety of non-coaching volunteering opportunities are also available with Special Olympics for those who would prefer to get involved in other ways specific to their skills or desired time commitment.

For more information on how to volunteer, donate or participate in Special Olympics please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca.

This story has been reprinted with generous permission from Senior Living magazine and Debbie McKeown.