MICHAEL ROY

Mike Roy hails from the nation’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario and has been involved with Special Olympics for 29-years. Mike is excited to go to the World Games in cross-country skiing, and says his greatest accomplishments so far are being able to play sports. When he’s not active, Mike loves to spend time doing jigsaw puzzles.

Goal for Austria 2017: “To win a medal.”

Kevin hails from Ottawa, Ontario and is very excited and proud to be attending his first World Games. Kevin says his greatest accomplishment so far is personal best in the 800m snowshoe race at the Special Olympics Canada 2016 Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Special Olympics has helped Kevin become more physically fit, to become more confident and allowed him to travel to places he’s never been before. When he’s not participating in Special Olympics programs, Kevin loves to play on the computer, to read and watch sports.

Goal for Austria 2017: “Looking forward to working hard.”

Katie Xu, a figure-skater from Ottawa, Ontario, is thrilled with being named to Team Canada for the first time. Katie, an employee at the Ottawa Public Library, says she loves participating in Special Olympics programs because it allows her to meet new people. When she’s not figure skating, Katie loves to cook, dance and play music.

Goal for Austria 2017: “I want to work on jumps, spins, spirals, a donut, turns and have fun.”

JACK FAN

Jack Fan, a 10-year veteran of Special Olympics programs is excited to be going to his first World Games. He credits Special Olympics with allowing him to meet new people and to have lots of fun. One of his greatest accomplishments so far was winning a gold medal at the 2015 Canada Games in Prince George, BC. In his spare time, Jack loves to listen to classical music.

Goal for Austria 2017: “Have fun!”

RACHEL MATHEWS- Coach

Rachel has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Ontario for 19 years coaching athletics, swimming, 5 pin bowling, soccer and snowshoeing as well as various administrative roles. She particularly enjoys helping athletes to realize their athletic abilities and the way that spills over and positively affects other parts of their lives. She was an Associate Snowshoe Coach in South Korea in 2013, the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria will be her second World Games experience. She is looking forward to being part of Team Canada once again and sharing special moments with the team on the world stage.

Goal for Austria 2017: To help the athletes train mentally and physically to their full potential so that in Austria they will be able to do their personal best and have as great an experience as possible.