marathon swimmer – coach – advocate – friend
I’ve been watching a wave of hate roll in toward Diana Nyad increasing in intensity as NYAD the movie approaches its Netflix November 3rd release. It’s reminiscent of the tsunami that flooded the open water community in September 2013 when the at-the-time 64 year-old, on her 5th attempt, entered the water off Havana Cuba to … Read moreIn a world full of “heroes” be your own shero
Dear Mr. Soulliere Director, Parks, Recreation and Facilities Management at City of Victoria BC I am a frequent swimmer and Crystal Pool and feel compelled to share a recent experience. I believe it reflects the professionalism and value of the staff at the pool. On March 26 in the early afternoon I was swimming near … Read moreRecognizing a job well done!
Dear Mayor and Council Congratulations on your new roles. I wish you every success. I am writing to you in regard to my friends Lisa and Meliah, two Spirit Orcas and Victoria Special Olympic Athletes. I am asking that in your new role you help them. My partner and I take Lisa, Meliah and our friend,Ben, for … Read moreRe: Lisa & Meliah
Dear neighbours I wish to share something with you. I hope you are able to take a few moments to read it. The past week and a bit have been very challenging. I have been hearing things, things that have left me feeling very weary and troubled. It all started with Pickleball Courts. Normally I … Read moreBeacon Hill Park and Sour Pickles
The Spirit Orcas are a group of open water swimmers living with intellectual disabilities and who swim across waterways throughout the province. Over the past 6 years they have established themselves as experienced open water swimmers by completing: a 30km relay across Lake Cowichan, becoming the first known group of people to swim a 20km … Read more#SwimGift: Swimming with Spirit Orcas
I have been hearing the word inclusion more and more these days. Organizations are sharing stories of how they are welcoming those who have been traditionally excluded and celebrating their acts of inclusion. But is simply welcoming someone enough? As a coach to athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities, inclusion requires me to meet each … Read moreI will meet you where you are: coaching for inclusion