Growing up, Marie Telder saw first-hand the positive impact Special Olympics had on four of her 12 siblings and today she is proud to continue to be part of that experience with Special Olympics BC - Sunshine Coast.
Telder is a dedicated volunteer that always goes above and beyond the call of duty. She coaches Active Start and FUNdamentals, bocce, and swimming and also sits on the Local Executive as Fundraising Coordinator. She also recently stepped into the role of athlete mentor when she travelled to Vancouver with SOBC - Sunshine Coast athlete Christel Jensen for the Athlete Speakers Bureau.
"It was great to see the enthusiasm and support each of the participants gave to one another," Telder said. "When Christel received her certificate, it was a special moment for me as well. I was so proud of her, reaching beyond her fears and taking on a new phase in her life."
Telder is a valued member of the Special Olympics community who joyfully takes as much from her role as athletes do. She considers herself not just a coach, but a friend - a shoulder to lean on. She also finds great fulfillment in helping athletes achieve their goals and watching young athletes blossom into self-confident adults with purpose and pride in their community.
"The Athlete's Oath truly speaks to my heart ... it would a blessing if we all walked this path in life," she said. "I actually started here on the Sunshine Coast with Special Olympics. I sought out Special Olympics in part to pay respect to all the coaches/volunteers who helped raise and support my family as a child. I wanted to make a difference in any way I could."
Initially she was on the executive and helped with the "Gala of Stars", a very successful fundraiser for Special Olympics here on the Sunshine Coast.
"I met so many wonderful people. Then I was asked to coach swimming. My first reaction was "are they crazy, I don't even like the water!" Now I am going to the Provincial Games this summer as a swim coach for the North Shore team," she said. "I get in the water and coach the novice level every Saturday. I am also looking forward to taking the Swim 101 course at SFU in early May. Amazing the opportunities that Special Olympics has given me personally."
Telder said she has so many memories of her involvement with Special Olympics
"I have been coaching Active Start/Fundamentals for three years. During the firstand second year I worked with Antonio. We worked on balance, jumping, hopping etc," she recalled. "He tried so hard, but hopping with both feet was not easily achieved. Late in the second year, he hopped. With a huge smile on his face, my heart was racing and I was so proud. I cried. He shouted, "I did it, I did it". I will never forget that moment -the tears in his Mom's eyes. Everyone was so excited. It was a great day."
Telder said Special Olympics is like being a part of a huge family.
"My favorite thing about being involved with SOBC is the family that develops between the athletes, coaches, community, and volunteers," she said. "Special Olympics athletes just want to be accepted as who they are, not looked upon as different or judged. Embrace the things that make us individuals. On the Sunshine Coast many of our athletes are involved in the community in various ways, volunteering, working, mentoring etc. They are a piece of the beautiful puzzle that makes the Sunshine Coast a picture of paradise."
- Reproduced with permission from the BC Special Olympics Newsletter
