Kelsey Wyse

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

26 years – since I first for started in1998!

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

My first sport was swimming. I loved competing and making new friends with other athletes from around the world. Now I participate in more Special Olympics sports every season of the year.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

I had really bad seizures when I first started swimming. I had to have brain surgery to take out part of my brain. Now I don't have any more seizures so that is really good. Special Olympics has helped me get stronger, learn to keep trying to do sports, and to be a good friend and team mate.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

When I went to the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles in 2015 I got to compete and I was interviewed on TV with Michael Phelps. He's my hero!

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

I learned how to work hard and be a better friend and teammate.

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 means a lot to me. I am most excited to cheer my team on and to get faster in the 2.5km and 500m cross country skiing races.

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

I want people to know that if they know someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities that they should tell them to check out Special Olympics. It will change their lives.

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

You can do it for fun. You can do it for competition. You can meet new friends. My brother, Ben, also competes in Special Olympics in bocce and curling. We both love it!