Susan Diggins

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been involved with Special Olympics for 25 years.

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

I had volunteered for the World Games here in Collingwood in 1997. It was the Head Coach for our local team who asked me to help out. My career was in Special Education and there happened to be some of my students involved in the program. It was fun seeing them having a blast on the hill and feeling just like everybody else. It was the smiles of the athletes that hooked me.

How has being involved with Special Olympics impacted your life?

During my career, I was supporting the removal of barriers so our students with special needs could be integrated into the regular stream. Special Olympics was an extension of my beliefs and it was fun for all. Special Olympics is an amazing movement. The 25 years has a passed quickly but the smiles will remain in my memory forever.

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

It's got to be the smiles! Helping athletes be their best and supporting them in achieving their goals, whatever they may be, is just the best! I don't see disabilities, I see capabilities.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

It has to be going to the Nationals and seeing our Athletes try their best at their sport and hearing them talk about their proudest moments. Yes, winning a medal was up there, but others discussed making new friends and going to new places. I'm so proud of our athletes! Such an amazing group of people.  Personally, I am proud of being Head Coach for Team Ontario & supporting athletes be their best. Fabulous experience!

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

My goal is to support our athletes to be their best in whatever goals they set for themselves and work with them to learn new skills. I want to be a support to athletes and be open to their questions and needs. Being part of Team Canada is a once in a lifetime experience for me and I will try my best for the athletes and the 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 bring a number of unique skills and experience to this role, including 34 years in the Special Education field, working with individuals with special needs / all exceptionalities. I truly believe that all athletes can learn when given the support they need. The smiles and the looks on their faces when they achieve inspires me to work with our athletes.

Being Head Coach for Team Ontario allowed me to get to know athletes and to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. When dealing with behaviour episodes, I was able to use my experiences and training. Also, my experience with students on the Autism Spectrum was very helpful in knowing that we needed to provide structure & forewarnings of schedule changes for them as well as rest of team.

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

Give it a try, you won't regret the experience. Watch for the smiles, watch for personal growth of athletes. It will feel like a family.