Annabel Stanley

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

16 years.

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

My son started as an athlete and I as a coach. I was hooked as soon as I witnessed his love for cross country skiing, the bond that it gave us to train together, and meeting the many other athletes and coaches who have become our friends.

How has Special Olympics impacted your life?

Special Olympics has given me so much education to be a better coach, and with it, support in my working and personal life. I have grown as a person as I take on more responsibility and developed more self-esteem and understanding of this community of incredible athletes.

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

Helping athletes achieve personal bests, giving them the choice to be fitter and healthier and giving them the ability to foster new friendships in a team environment.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

There is never just one moment, but here are some memorable ones! Watching an athlete bend her knees finally on race day after a year of coaching; seeing an athlete at Nationals with tears in his eyes as he received his first ever gold medal; watching my son receive Special Olympics Canada’s Athlete of the Year award; coaching an athlete to ski down a hill  for the first time only half an hour before he raced; seeing my previous head coach retire surrounded by so many athletes he had helped to become better skiers for nearly 2 decades and seeing the respect they held for him. So many amazing moments!

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

I am incredibly proud to lead the cross country team as Head Coach, and my goal is to make sure they all achieve their personal bests and have fun getting there .

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 am a positive leader and seeing the athletes blossom as they train, choose healthy lifestyle choices and create a healthy and happy team dynamic is my mission and inspires me every day. I never forget that this is about the athletes and their achievements.

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

There is nothing more rewarding than volunteering, especially with Special Olympics.