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WINKLER SPECIAL OLYMPICS The idea of holding The Special Olympics first entered the public mind in 1968 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver held the very first event at Soldier Field in Chicago. From there, engagement with the idea grew around the world to offer those with disabilities a chance to train, compete, and ultimately have a place to belong in the world of organized sports and recreation. Sharon Dueck is the head coach of the Winkler Wizzards Special Olympics Club and has seen the tremendous benefits of the organization within the community over the last thirty three years. It’s an opportunity for people with disabilities to enjoy opportunities to have fun, compete, travel and most importantly, have a place to be accepted and build genuine friendships. The first Special Olympics Club came to Winkler in 1986 through Sharon Dueck and Marlee Wiebe, with help from a group of young adults and high-school students who came together as the first coaches and volunteers. Sharon worked with special needs students in the school system and had always been passionate about seeing people with disabilities be given opportunities to reach their full potential. One day, when a letter came through the school from the head office of The Special Olympics, she took immediate interest. “I just saw the letterhead and asked if I could read that letter” said Sharon, who was consequently informed about a regional meeting that was coming up. She saw that this was a way to provide those people with disabilities who
are no longer in school a place to participate in recreational activities, as at that time there was nothing designed for them. Sharon and Marlee recruited their friend groups and together started the Special Olympics Club. “The first year was a track and field program and a basic gym program” said Sharon. “Right off the bat we had between thirty to forty athletes sign up” With the dozen coaches who also signed up, the program gained immediate traction and the message was sent that there were many people in the community who were interested. “Since then, we’ve expanded to providing competitive opportunities in Track and Field, Bocce, Basketball, Snowshoeing and Baseball .” More recently, the Club has added Rhythmic Gymnastics within a recreational setting. The school division has provided the club with the Winkler Elementary School gym, along with its gym equipment for the last thirty three years. As a thank-you, the Club participates in a walk-a-thon fundraiser every spring, donating the proceeds to the school’s gym program. “We’ve had strong community support” said Sharon, as parents of athletes took the initiative in raising funds for the program, along with Gateway Resources and local businesses continually helping out when there was a need. “To this day, if we ever need anything we just need to ask” said Sharon about the continued support the Club has received throughout their history, of which they are incredibly thankful for.
life in the valley
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