Saige Beaumont

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been a coach with Special Olympics for 3 years.

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

I was asked to be a coach for Regionals for an athlete I have worked with for many years and have been involved ever since. What got me hooked was all the awesome people I have gotten to know and how everyone supports each other and builds each other up. Also how much FUN we all have together.

How has being involved with Special Olympics impacted your life?

Being involved with Special Olympics has completely changed my life. I have changed my entire career path after my experiences with Special Olympics, to now working with kids with intellectual disabilities. It has helped me really discover and solidify my passion for working with people.

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

My favourite part about my role on the team is being able to support our athletes to achieve their goals, whatever those may be.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

My proudest moment so far with Special Olympics would be being at Special Olympics Winter Games Calgary last winter and seeing how all of the athletes cheered each other on or cheered each other up when they needed it.

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

It is such an honour to be a part of Team Canada, knowing how hard every single person has worked to get on the team, whether that’s athletes or coaches or mission staff. My goal for Turin is to work to create the best experience possible for everyone on our team.

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?

I think I have a great skill of being able to make people feel comfortable to just show up how they are, to be able to talk to me openly and easily when needed. What drives me the most is seeing the joy and sense of accomplishment the athletes get to experience. I think those feelings can extend to so many other things in their lives and creates confidence for them to face other things in their world.

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

I would say go for it! At whatever capacity you are able to, the ability to do something to uplift others in turn also uplifts you.