Read below to learn more about some of our amazing coaches who help to create an inclusive space for athletes to train and compete.
Wetaskiwin, AB
Blain Fuller
Blain Fuller is currently a coach in Wetaskiwin who coaches Floor Hockey, Bocce, Bowling, and Swimming.
Coach Blain was motivated to begin volunteering with Special Olympics through work, and quickly found a passion for coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities. He has been volunteering with the organization for 35 years which has allowed him to grow-up in this inclusive atmosphere.
Blain has experienced coaching athletes with and without intellectual disabilities and believes "everyone should be a Special Olympics coach first then move into community sport so they then learn the right ideas around recreation and sport."
When asked about his favorite part of coaching with Special Olympics, Blain shared, "I really enjoy travelling with my teams and getting to know my athletes and see them achieve their personal goals."
Calgary, AB
Rosario Chiodo
Rosario Chiodo is a Calgary based Special Olympics coach, currently coaching Advanced Floor Hockey and Advanced Golf. He will also be this years assistant coach for the new Pickleball program.
Rosario's involvement with Special Olympics came from his son Damion Chiodo, who is an athlete with Special Olympics Calgary. "We enrolled our son in the basketball program in Special Olympics back in 2018 as he was not adapting and fitting in well with the regular adult sport programs in our community." Rosario attended the 2019 National Winter Games in Nova Scotia with his wife and son and said the experience of attending the games prompted his desire to volunteer and give back to this community.
Rosario shared that, "having a child with an intellectual disability, we countered a lot of barriers and challenges with inclusion in team and community sports over the years. Special Olympics not only eliminates those barriers and embraces inclusion, but just as important, helps increase the awareness of inclusion throughout the community."
Edmonton, AB
Peter Takla
Peter Takla is a Basketball coach in Edmonton who has coached intermediate, novice, and youth Basketball.
Coach Peter has enjoyed every part of volunteering with Special Olympics and says that "coaching with Special O has truly opened my eyes to the power of sports! When I see an athlete make a basket or a nice play, the joy and excitement I see are unmatched and truly make my heart so full."
Volunteering with Special Olympics is an excellent way to give back to the community, but Peter believes that coaches get as much satisfaction from being a part of providing inclusive sport, as benefit they provide. "You have no idea how much fulfillment those athletes will provide you with! I have never left an SOA event without my heart feeling completely full and personally feeling the most beautiful sense of fulfillment and happiness."
Strathcona County, AB
Rob Dykes
Rob Dykes is a Floor Hockey coach, and will be coaching the newly introduced Floorball program this season.
Rob joined the Special Olympics organization when he moved to Alberta at 15 years old. "I had just moved to Alberta and was looking for something to get involved in. I saw an ad in the paper for Special Olympics registration and thought it sounded interesting."
When asked about what impact Special Olympics programing has on his athletes, Rob shared that the athlete confidence and leadership abilities grow tremendously, which is an incredibly positive result to witness. Rob would recommend that anyone looking to get involved in their community who is caring and patient should register to become a volunteer coach with Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Alberta would like to acknowledge the many amazing coaches that keep our programs running and provide opportunities to our athletes. Thank you coaches for your dedication to excellence and sharing your time with us. We truly appreciate everything you do!
By: Naomi Eykelbosh