Rachelle Parent

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

10 years.

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

I first started when I heard about Special Olympics from my parents. I started with track and field, basketball and floor hockey. I love sports and I love to compete. I think sports brings out the best of a person and teaches many skills you use for life. You make good friends, feel like you're part of the community, and it's a lot of fun! It has shaped me to the person I am today. I always try to do my best by setting goals and I'm very happy when I achieve them.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

One of the barriers I still work at overcoming is my confidence. Sometimes I'm not sure if I can be good at the sport. I keep trying and I try different sports to see what I like. Attending the practices every week helps to increase my skill level step by step. When I realize I can do it, then I feel really proud of myself and that helps to build my confidence. So, my self-esteem gets better and my confidence level shows up for all other activities I do in life!

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

I have so many great memories. One of the best memories I have is when I was competing at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 running the 400m. I was quite a bit ahead of other competitors, but in the last 50 meters when I'm supposed to sprint, I started to stumble. I fell and then got up, I fell again and got up, then I fell again and got up. The fourth time I fell, I heard people saying 'get up', but then I crawled over the finish line. I'm really proud of myself because I persevered! I know that if you put your mind to it, you can do great things.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

The skills I learn in sports really help with how I approach things in life. For example, when I play basketball, I try my best to work together as a team. I encourage my teammates to always stay positive and give them a high five even if our team might not be doing well. It's always good to keep a positive spirit and when we keep trying, we're really proud of ourselves. So never give up and keep on going!

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

I am so proud of myself to represent Special Olympics Team Canada for the World Winter Games in Turin. I feel this is a great honour that I was selected to go, and I feel really grateful for this exciting opportunity to part of a world event this big. I love to travel, learn about different cultures, meet people and try different foods. My goal for the Special Olympics World Games is to win a gold medal. I know that if I keep training and persevere, I have as good of a chance as anybody else.

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

I want to show people that athletes with disabilities can do a lot more than what you may assume. We enjoy playing sports, keeping active, participating in the community through different groups and organizations, and we want to be able to make a difference in society. It's great to be part of a community where everyone is accepted, and we make friends of all kinds. Special Olympics athletes have a lot to share through their experiences and it's great to have a sense of belonging.

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

Special Olympics has a lot to offer for everyone. There are so many sports to choose from and to try them out to see which sport you like the best. The coaches and volunteers are really good and teach you great skills. It's a great place to make friends and you'll feel so good that you'll want to go to practice every week. There are tournaments to go to, annual parties and fundraisers that are so much fun. People are so nice and you will love it!