Special Olympics Alberta is excited to announce the hiring of four remarkable athletes from across the province to represent our organization. These inspiring athletes will share their personal stories and experiences of being involved in Special Olympics with diverse audiences at events throughout the year. As athlete ambassadors, they will have the opportunity to connect with others, raise awareness about the impact of Special Olympics, and encourage people to get involved in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Meet our athlete ambassadors:
athlete ambassador
Darby Taylor
Darby Taylor is an enthusiastic Special Olympics Alberta athlete who has found joy and a sense of belonging through sports. Growing up, Darby struggled to keep up with his peers, but Special Olympics gave him the opportunity to become the athlete he always dreamed of being. With the support of dedicated volunteers, Darby not only developed his athletic skills but also formed lasting friendships with others who share similar experiences. “I made great friends with other people with special needs like me. No one laughed at my clumsiness or got impatient if I was too slow. This encouraged me to try harder and to do better,” shared Darby. Special Olympics has not only played a part in Darby’s life but has impacted his entire family as well. Darby’s sister is an athlete who trains alongside him, and their parents are both volunteers with the organization. Darby has had the opportunity to compete in various events, including traveling to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, as part of Team Alberta for the SOC Summer Games. Beyond sports, Darby has grown in confidence and skill, speaking at fundraising events and securing two part-time jobs.
athlete ambassador
Elisabeth (Lizzy) Baril
Lizzy Baril is a dedicated Special Olympics Alberta athlete who participates in basketball, athletics, golf, and swimming in Red Deer. Being involved in Special Olympics helps her maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay active, while also providing a sense of community that has made Red Deer feel more like home. Lizzy loves being social and running into fellow athletes whenever she catches the bus, reinforcing the bonds she’s formed through the program. She is passionate about raising awareness that disabilities come in many forms, and she encourages others to recognize the unique strengths of every individual.
athlete ambassador
Damion Chiodo
Damion Chiodo joined Special Olympics Alberta in 2017 to stay active and play sports in an environment where he felt he could truly fit in. His experience with Special Olympics has been life-changing and Damion says, that “it has given me so much by helping me to be a more confident person.” Over the years, he has made many great friends and met inspiring coaches who have supported him on his journey. Damion believes that the real prize in being a Special Olympics athlete isn’t just about wins and losses but about enjoying the journey and making new friends along the way. Damion is one of Special Olympics Alberta’s Athlete Health Messengers, and as a result, he launched his own podcast, Accessible Athletics, where he aims to inspire fellow Special Olympics athletes to focus on the importance of eating well, exercising, and staying fit throughout their lives. Through his podcast, Damion hopes to empower others to lead healthy, active lives and continue to thrive both on and off the field.
athlete ambassador
Madison Bailey-Borges
Throughout her time with Special Olympics Alberta, Madison Bailey-Borges has had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports including basketball, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, golf, figure skating, artistic gymnastics, and soccer. She has also taken part in events like the Marathon of Sport and served as an Athlete Health Messenger. These experiences have taught her the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying active through sports. Madison believes that everyone deserves the chance to showcase their talents, and Special Olympics has given her the confidence to do so. She has made many lasting friendships across Ontario and Alberta, and she is passionate about continuing to share her story with others. As an advocate for Special Olympics athletes, Madison is committed to raising awareness and spreading positivity about the impact of the program across Alberta. Through her advocacy, she hopes to inspire others to embrace the opportunities that Special Olympics provides and to celebrate the unique abilities of all athletes.
Fun fact about Madison: she appeared in an Avril Lavigne music video!
By: Naomi Eykelbosh