Shawn Jesse

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been involved with Special Olympics for 14 years.

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

I am the parent of an athlete. The hook has been the athletes, coaches and volunteers.

How has being involved with Special Olympics impacted your life?

I have had experiences that you could not get anywhere else.

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

Helping athletes work toward their goals.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

Many times I have seen coaches cheering for and helping athletes that are not from their province. Where else does this happen?

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

Makes me proud. My goal would be to have our athletes return home saying they had the best experience ever.

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 ski, run and train myself. I have a lot of experience in emergency management (we tend to have a few of those, luckily nothing major so far). The athletes themselves are my inspiration.

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

If you can, go to any regional, provincial or national games as a spectator or even better, as a volunteer...you will be hooked.