Yorke Parkin and Coach Saige Beaumont: Rising Stars in Alpine Skiing

At just 16 years old, Yorke Parkin is proving to be one of the athletes to watch in Special Olympics Team Canada’s alpine skiing lineup. From latecomer to skiing in Revelstoke’s elite slopes to a three-time gold medalist at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, Yorke is now preparing to represent Canada on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Guiding him along the way is his coach, Saige Beaumont, who first became involved with Special Olympics through Yorke’s training. New to the movement but already making a lasting impact, Saige has quickly become, “the glue that holds the alpine team together.” She isn’t the loudest voice in the room, but she is the steady presence that athletes turn to when they need support, encouragement, or simply someone who believes in them. While this will be her first Special Olympics World Games, her leadership is already shaping the experience for athletes around her.

Yorke first joined Special Olympics four years ago when his mother introduced him to the movement. He quickly found a place where he could challenge himself, improve his skills, and achieve his personal best. Recognizing his own strengths and differences, Yorke embraces the mindset that every athlete’s path is unique.

“My mum told me about Special Olympics years ago, and I thought it sounded interesting, so I tried it and enjoyed it,” Yorke explains. “It’s given me something to take part in where I can achieve my personal best.”

The standout moment of his Special Olympics career so far came at the National Winter Games in Calgary, where he claimed three gold medals with his family—some of whom traveled from overseas—cheering him on. But it’s not just his own victories that drive him; he takes pride in helping his teammates succeed as well.

“My best moments were when my teammates were doubting themselves and their abilities to get on the podium at the Canada Games,” Yorke says. “I gave them my insight of the course and how to ski it to the best of their abilities, and they made it on the podium.”

Now, as he prepares for his first World Games, Yorke is focused on soaking up the experience and pushing himself on the slopes. His goal for Turin is simple: “To have fun.”

For Saige, Special Olympics has been nothing short of life-changing. What started as a coaching opportunity for one athlete turned into a newfound passion, leading her to change her entire career path to work with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The experience has opened her eyes to the power of inclusion in sport, the joy of watching athletes push themselves beyond their own expectations, and the impact of a strong and supportive coach.

“I was asked to be a coach for the Special Olympics British Columbia Provincial Games to be Yorke’s training coach, an athlete I have worked with for many years – and I’ve been hooked ever since those first Games together,” she says. “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.”

That sense of fun and camaraderie is something she brings to every training session, making sure athletes feel not just coached, but valued. Her leadership isn’t about standing in front—it’s about standing beside, making sure every athlete knows they belong.

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

Her experience reflects what Special Olympics is all about—not just opportunity for athletes, but opportunity for coaches to step up, grow, and make a real difference. Saige is an example of how one invitation to get involved can spark a passion, and how every new coach brings something special to the movement.

For anyone considering coaching, Saige has a simple message: “Go for it. At whatever capacity you are able to, the ability to do something to uplift others in turn also uplifts you.”

As Yorke and Saige prepare to take on the world, one thing is clear—this is just the beginning of an incredible journey. Whether it’s Yorke pushing himself to new heights on the slopes or Saige shaping the next generation of athletes, their impact will last far beyond Turin 2025. For those looking for a way to be part of something bigger, their story is proof that there’s no better time to step in, support, and experience the power of Special Olympics.