Charity Sheehan
How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?
27 years.
How did you first introduced to the movement and what got you hooked?
I was a college student requiring volunteer hours and answered the call for a Special Olympics basketball program. After night one I went back to my school friends and said I was going to work for Special Olympics one day...23 years later, here I am.
How has Special Olympics impacted your life?
I brag that I have two families...my birth family and my Special Olympics family. I have met so many incredible people during my time in the movement that have changed my life. I have lifetime friends and have been inspired by many athletes!
What is your favourite part about your role on the team?
As Chef de Mission for Special Olympics Team Canada, I get to see all of it! I am behind the scenes supporting the important work of the teams. I especially love watching things form. From relationships, ideas and systems, these foundations then start to live in our team, and I can watch them grow and become impactful.
What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?
There are many, but Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 is one I hold near and dear. It was one of the most unique experiences of our movement, but what stands out is how amazing our team of athletes, coaches, mission staff, leadership, and families were all in to make the most of this journey. And to bring everyone together, in-person, in Toronto in June 2022 was magic! The experience changed us all.
What does being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada mean to you and what is your goal for Turin?
I am incredibly humbled and proud to be the Chef de Mission of this team. My goal for Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 is that each team member has a journey that helps them grow – that they have the support they need to achieve success, however they define it. As a legacy of being part of this team, my goal is that this experience is shared and helps Chapters and Special Olympics communities grow across the country.
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 quiet leader and lead from behind, with a lot of heart. People matter to me and so does their experience. Our athletes deserve opportunities like this and if I can be part of their success in some small way, then that is incredibly rewarding.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Special Olympics?
DO IT! All Special Olympics volunteers are passionate about being involved and can tell you all about it. However, you need to fully experience it to know for yourself. I guarantee you will stay!