Hi! I’m Natasha, and I compete in Golf for Team Ontario. I first applied to join Special Olympics Oakville golf, but a coach recommended Mississauga since the golfers were at a higher level. Later, while playing at the Ontario Adaptive Open, the coach from Hamilton Competitive Olympics golf approached me. The level was higher, and we played on real golf courses — which helped me improve my skills even more.
Special Olympics has allowed me to feel like I fit in. I used to feel like I didn’t belong or wasn’t good enough. Now I feel comfortable, and I’ve met golfers from around the world and made many new friends.
One of my biggest achievements was competing at the 2023 Berlin World Games for golf. I broke my ankle in February and had to work hard in physio. I wasn’t able to practice for months and was only cleared to play just before Berlin. The days were long and hot, and we weren’t allowed carts, so my ankle was sore and swollen. But I didn’t give up. I won a bronze medal, and I hope to go to another World Games and do even better.
I worked at Dearcroft Montessori School as a teacher’s helper and also walk dogs. I help Hamilton Special Olympics with fundraising events like hitting 1,000 golf balls, Sobey’s annual golf tournament, Bright Spot, Storm King Invitational events, and Tim Hortons Special Olympics donut campaigns.
Being part of Team Ontario means a lot — I’ve worked very hard to earn my spot, and I want to show that if you put your mind and heart into the sport you love, you can achieve your goals.
My advice? It’s an honour to be part of this group. Have fun, be respectful, and always do your best to represent your sport and Ontario.