Anne Scully

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

10 years.

How did you first introduced to the movement and what got you hooked?

I was introduced to the movement when my Physical Education class at the University of Western Ontario supported the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. This was my first experience with athletes with an intellectual disability and I loved working with them!

How has Special Olympics impacted your life?

I have become more and more involved with the movement by taking on administrative positions as well as coaching and head coaching numerous teams. I’ve helped with various competitions and was a fill in at the last minute for the most recent Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games!

What is your favourite part about your role on the team?

I love seeing the smiles on our athletes faces! Whether they win or lose, I don’t focus on it as long as they are having fun and doing their best. When our athletes do their best, our team will be happy! I love how all our athletes and coaches are keen and willing to help in any situation.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

I am proud that my contributions to Special Olympics have allowed me to be selected to coach with Special Olympics Team Canada twice. I also just found out that I won the award for Special Olympics Ontario’s Coach of the Year. The fact that my fellow coaches and the athletes submitted my name makes me so proud – more so than the actual award!

What does being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada mean to you and what is your goal for Turin?

I am going to Turin to help our athletes be the best that they can be! We as coaches would love for all our athletes to come back with a medal, but personal bests and being part of a team representing Canada are even more important to us than medals!! I want to help our athletes become more aware of their sport on the international level. They are among the most elite athletes in Canada and it will be wonderful to meet fellow athletes from around the world in friendship!

What unique skills or experiences do you bring to your role as a coach, mission staff or team leadership and what drives you to support and inspire the athletes every day?

I have been a cross country skiing instructor and coach for 35+years. I have worked at a ski resort teaching lessons to adults and children, I’ve coached high school skate skiers to OFSAA Championships and taken a group of high school boys to an International ISCF competition in Tarvisio, Italy. I was the head coach for Special Olympics Team Ontario cross country skiing at the last National Games, and have been an assistant coach for many Provincial and National competitions in Nordic with Special Olympics Ontario. I was named to Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 and trained athletes through the pandemic. I am bilingual, so I have been able to communicate with our French athletes. As a teacher, I am very organized and am used to meeting deadlines and communicating with parents, caregivers and families.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Special Olympics?

Do it!! You will feel so good and realize that the individuals you meet are great humans and athletes! They give their all and are not afraid to help their fellow competitors or say thank you!!