Hi! I’m Dave, and I’m part of Team Ontario in Golf. I first got involved when my men’s curling team was asked to compete against a Special Olympics team to get them ready for competitions. That worked out well, and I was invited to coach. I was then invited to coach golf.
Special Olympics has made me cognizant of the importance of speaking with athletes and listening to athletes. This has carried over to other areas of my life.
One of my proudest moments was having an athlete with autism put his arm around me while we were curling. His mother cried — and so did I.
I stay active through fundraisers.
Being part of Team Ontario means I can help the athlete I coach represent his Tyendinaga Mohawk community in Red Deer.
My advice?
Always be an ambassador for Special Olympics. People will listen to an athlete more than they will listen to a coach.