The University of Western Ontario Alumni Gazette Fall 2009 : Page 31
profilE alumNa aT helm oF spEcial olympics in lonDon By cArLy WeeKs, MA’04 As the final countdown to the Vancouver 2010 olympics approaches, it’s becoming harder to turn on a television without hearing mention of the Winter Games. But one alumna already has her sights on another olympic event scheduled to take place on canadian soil next year – the 2010 special olympics. What’s more, the upcoming summer games are set to be held on the Western campus. President and ceo of special olympics canada Deborah Bright, BA’90, MA’92, said organizers are already in high-gear working to secure facilities, recruit volunteers and build momentum for the event, which is expected to draw about 1,300 athletes with an intellectual disability from across canada. Although she’s only been at the helm for three years, Bright is no stranger to the organization. in fact, she got her start right after graduating from Western, working at special olympics ontario for two years, followed by five years at special olympics canada. At that point in her career, Bright decided she wanted to switch gears and left the world of sports for a newsroom in Alberta, where she worked as a reporter at the calgary Herald for seven years. But when the opportunity to take on a leadership role at special olympics canada came up, she couldn’t resist returning to her roots. The appeal wasn’t about running the show at a high-profile organization, however. it was about the inspirational stories of athletes, the powerful way sports can instill a sense of pride and achievement in those involved, and being part of a community where trying one’s best is regarded as the most accurate measure of success. “i think sport becomes a vehicle which everyone can relate to,” Bright says. in the years since she started working at the special olympics, Bright says the Pictured above: Deborah Bright, president and ceoof special olympics canada, with athlete Marc Thériault at the 2009 special olympics World Winter Games in Boise, idaho. Marc won the gold medal in men’s figure skating. organization has grown tremendously, attracting more volunteers and corporate involvement in the form of sponsorships and work programs for athletes off the field, which has helped change how many canadians perceive the games. “There’s a greater acceptance,” she says. “When you see someone’s success, that’s all you see at the end of the day.” Bright says much of her success is tied to her days at Western, where many of her experiences would help guide her career, particularly being involved with the Winter special Games, a yearly event geared toward special-needs students. “i don’t just say that lightly,” Bright says. “i was very fortunate to have some great experiences.” While at Western, Bright also forged many ties with faculty members that she has maintained for years. one of them, kinesiology professor in the faculty of Health sciences, Darwin semotiuk, is one of the co-chairs of the 2010 organizing committee. With just months to go before the big event, Bright is already looking forward to bringing the games to Western and the city of London, a place that holds wonderful memories and helped launch her career. “to have that on campus and to have the Western sense of pride there, i think it’s going to be amazing.” Fall 2009 ediTioN 31 Photo courtesy Special olympics canada
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