Corey Fester

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been involved with Special Olympics for 30 years.

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

I started volunteering for softball one summer and that winter I noticed they offered skiing at the local hill. I joined and was hooked for life!

How has being involved with Special Olympics impacted your life?

It has truly become my passion!

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

I love working with the athletes. Whether chatting with them on the chairlift, or watching them learn, grow and succeed in the sport and in life.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

Helping an athlete go from being terrified to try a chairlift to conquering his fear and taking his first ride up the mountain. He is no longer in the alpine program but I still run into him at Special Olympics events and he still brings it up as one of his greatest accomplishments.

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

My schooling and career in the past made it so that I could never align my schedules with the World Games. I finally have the opportunity to get to coach at this level and I am just super grateful to be a part of it. My goal for Turin is to take it all in and be a model coach for my athletes and assist them in enjoying every moment from the first day of training in the summer to the closing ceremonies, we are a part of something really special!

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?

It is my true passion and calling to be a part of Special Olympics and work closely with the athletes. I have been around for many years and attended many tournaments, races, as well as provincial and national games. Being a teacher, I am always prepared and organized which is a leadership role I am proud to share with my teams.

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

It is life changing! The athletes, the coaches, the volunteers, it is such a great organization to be involved in.