A Perfect Pair: Two Decades on Ice for Special Olympics Team Canada Athlete and Coach Duo

When Jessica Chapelski was just about to wrap up her career coaching figure skating, a colleague of hers made a simple suggestion that would go on to shape the next 20 years of her life: “I think I know an athlete you’d enjoy working with.”

At the time, Jessica had just completed Teacher’s College and was preparing to start a new job as an elementary school teacher. She hadn’t planned on taking on a new athlete, but she agreed to attend a couple of sessions to work with the young skater her colleague had recommended.

That skater was eight-year-old Alex Pang, who was only in his first year with Special Olympics but already showing incredible promise. One session was all it took for Jessica to know she’d found something she’d never walk away from. Two decades later, Jessica and Alex are still on the ice together, their partnership as strong as ever.

Reflecting on their first session together, Jessica recalls, “He was this bumbling little 8-year-old that was pure chaos, but so endearing, and he instantly won me over.” She also knew that coaching Alex would push her to grow, saying, “I used to coach in one way – and immediately, it challenged me to find new ways of teaching. I knew away it was going to make me a better teacher and a better person.”

Alex has grown into one of Canada’s most accomplished Special Olympics figure skaters. He’s been named to Special Olympics Team Canada four times—competing at three Special Olympics World Winter Games (including the World Games in 2022 that were ultimately cancelled) and one Special Olympics World Summer Games. But in their 20th year of skating together, something special happened: for the first time ever, Alex and Jessica were both named to the same National Team.

For Jessica, it was a beautiful full-circle moment. “Getting to see the progress, not only in his skating skills but in his life – in school, in his community, seeing that difference made is what has kept me coming back all these years,” she said. “I knew I was providing a place where he feels free to express himself, be proud of himself and accomplish extraordinary things.”

And in Turin, Alex once again delivered an incredible performance, taking home the bronze medal in Singles, Level 5, Mixed Division 1. Jessica couldn’t have been more proud.

Alex’s impact on the sport goes beyond his own performances. Inspired by Jessica and by working with the younger generation of Special Olympics figure skaters coming up behind him, he decided to step into a coaching role himself. He began as a CanSkate Program Assistant and quickly thrived in the position. Just last year, he was named CanSkate Program Assistant of the Year for all of British Columbia— an honour recognizing his dedication, work ethic, and potential as a coach.

Initially, Jessica had volunteered alongside him to help him get his bearings. But Alex proved to be a natural. He took the next step by earning his official CanSkate Teaching Certification, allowing him to work with skaters from youth to adulthood. Drawing from his own Special Olympics experience with skaters of diverse abilities, he approaches each skater with a deep understanding of individual needs, patience, and encouragement.

“Having a community has really changed the direction of his life, and I am just so happy to be a part of that,” Jessica shared.

Fresh off his bronze medal performance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, Alex isn’t taking a break. He’s jumping right back into his coaching sessions, where his students are eagerly awaiting his return. When asked if he’ll wear his medal to his first session back, he simply smiled and said, “If I remember.”