Owen Munroe

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

20 years.

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

I first got involved in 2004, participating in soccer and cross country skiing. It has changed my life in a good way, and I have become a better athlete. 

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

A barrier I have overcome is how to keep the skis moving because before I was walking in them. I did it by shifting my zipper (weight) on each ski.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

My favourite memory is going to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho in 2009 for cross country skiing. 

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

Being a cross country skier has helped me become a better biker. 

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 that I get to go to training camps within Canada. My goal for Turin is to try to bring home the gold medal!

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

I want people to know that some athletes want to keep things confidential.

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

A message I would share with another athlete is to try cross country skiing because it is a fun sport – and also, to try soccer.