Ashley Filadelfi

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been involved with Special Olympics for 11 years.

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

A friend of mine was doing her internship with the local soccer team and thought it would be something I'd be interested in. So I said sure and gave it a go! From the first day just seeing the amount of passion and fun that was being shared in the room made me keep coming back to coach each week.

How has being involved with Special Olympics impacted your life?

Special Olympics has opened many doors for me. I have gotten to meet and work with some of the most incredible and inspiring people. I have gained an extra family and many new friends. Special Olympics has given me the chance to travel to places I have never visited and given me some great experiences.

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

My favorite part about being Mission Staff is getting to know all the little secrets and behind the stage action as everything unfolds.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

Watching one of my younger athletes who loved to race, decide to run slower during a practice in order to help a new little friend understand the drill.

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

Being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada means that I get to be part of a fabulous group that gets to represent our country amongst many other countries at the World Games. My goal for Turin is to make sure that I can soak in as many moments as I can throughout this journey.

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 great at helping to deescalate situations and problem solve. I feel like this skill may come in handy as mission staff. I want my athletes to have the greatest experience possible. So as a mission staff I want to do what I can in order to help make that happen.

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

I would say that being involved with Special Olympics is an experience like no other and that it will have you coming back week after week.