Chloe Stoddart

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

3.5 years.

How did you first get involved with Special Olympics and how has it changed your life?

I was in high school and my educational assistant said, “Chloe, you should do Special Olympics.” And I said, why not give it a try! I went to gym night one night met a lot of new faces and realized this is the place where I belong. Special Olympics changed my life so much – to the point where I can actually go out and be myself around people, and not hide who I am.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

A barrier I encountered was when I was trying to qualify for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024… I was telling my coach that I didn’t think I could do it. My coach said, “Chloe you can do anything you put your mind to.” And then I did!!

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

My favourite memory would have to be when I went to Nationals with my skiing partner, Tim Prosper, and we said we don't care if we don't come home with medals – that's okay, we are just here to have fun and try our best. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having and making memories.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

Special Olympics has taught me the power of working together as a team to achieve great things as a team. Win or lose, you’ve got your team behind you.

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

Being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada is a huge opportunity and I'm looking forward to meeting new faces and making new friends. I’m happy to go to Turin just to have fun, but my goal is to try my hardest and succeed the best I can.

What do you want people to know about athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

I want people to understand that they should always try and get to know someone before they make assumptions about them. We are all the same, we just have different personalities that make us each unique!

What would you say to someone thinking of getting involved in Special Olympics?

Speical Olympics is fun and you get to spend time with amazing people and make awesome friends.