Kohn first thought of organizing a group in Jasper when the town, along with St. Albert, hosted the 2012 Special Olympics Winter Games.
“That’s what sparked the idea because my daughter has special needs and she and I were actually skiing right beside the races.”
During that time, she also ran an improv night with the athletes. “They were amazing and they were having so much fun.”
Jasper’s Special Olympics chapter was just formed last month, and already has an alpine ski team.
“We have the Jasper Ski Team on board, they’re going to let us use their stuff,” said Kohn. “We have the head coach and the assistant coach lined up and we got some money from the town for them to go to a coaching clinic that the Special Olympics division puts on in the spring.”
So far Jasper’s chapter has three athletes—one adult and two kids. “I’ve learned that through Special Olympics Canada kids can starts as early as two,” said Kohn. And there’s no age limit, so athletes can remain lifetime members, if they wish.
The alpine ski team was established first primarily due to ease, but “we are totally open to starting other sports.” In fact, that’s the aim because sports are beneficial to most everybody.
“One of my girlfriends was skiing with us today and one of the things she noticed was how focused my daughter was when she was skiing and how good that is for her,” said Kohn. “Her mind and body are totally awake and alert.”
Now that Jasper has a Special Olympics chapter, there are also opportunities for Jasper athletes to connect with athletes from other chapters. “I had a meeting with a couple who have been with the Special Olympics in Edmonton for a couple of years and he’s the head coach of the alpine ski team and they are both stoked that [our chapters] can do stuff together.
“When their athletes come here, we can meet them and [have] socials.” Socials are a large part of the Special Olympics organization, said Kohn.
The Jasper chapter looks forward to incorporating more winter and summer sports, like curling, figure skating, cross-country skiing, bowling and track and field. “There’s a lot of possibilities,” said Kohn.
For more information or to participate in Jasper’s Special Olympics chapter, contact Kohn at 780-852-4204 or the municipality’s Culture and Recreation Director Yvonne McNabb at 780-852-6508.
