Meghan Josling

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been a Special Olympics athlete for 12 years.

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

We read about it online and decided it would be good to get out, get active and make friends

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

I have come to learn that the biggest barriers to success was not my intellectual disability or my debilitating seizure disorder caused by a rare genetic disorder, but the biases and assumptions of those who thought my disabilities should limit the type of life I would lead.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

My proudest moment was competing in my first 5000m in track.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

Teamwork, dedication and to keep persevering even when things are difficult.

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

I am a proud love distance runner, who loves to run. I am excited to going to World Games and to represent my country. I hope to bring home gold!

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

We want people to know that Special Olympics athletes train diligently in their sport. We want everyone to see what we can accomplish, and that we are capable of great things. We want to be treated like everyone else and not be stigmatized. We want to be accepted and belong.

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

You can do anything you put your mind to with hard work and dedication.