Every Friday, you’ll find Khrystine (Rx2018) at Wilfrid Laurier Sports Complex helping athletes with intellectual disabilities improve their swimming skills. She’s an assistant swim coach with Special Olympics Ontario, a non-profit, charitable organization that provides sports training and competitions for those with intellectual disabilities.
“I work one-on-one with two athletes,” she explains. “One is a young girl with Down syndrome who wants to learn how to swim, and the other is a young boy who knows how to swim but wants to improve his technique.”
It’s a stark change from her work experiences in community pharmacy where Khrystine dealt mostly with elderly patients.
"I’d never worked with this population before, so going into the swim coach role with that lack of knowledge was a scary thing. The athletes, all having some sort of intellectual disability, varied greatly - I had to constantly adapt in order to better coach them.
But by working closely with two children in particular, Khrystine quickly overcame those inhibitions.
Working one-on-one builds a relationship that is founded on trust and allows the athlete to try things they may not feel comfortable doing with someone else. My athletes have improved so much over the season!
Favourite Moments
“It’s a great feeling,” Khrystine reflects, “seeing parents beaming with pride at how their child has progressed. The athletes are so happy too! You become very invested in their journey and really want them to succeed, whatever their goal may be.”
But she’s gained more from the experience than the reward of helping others learn. Khrystine describes herself as introverted, and the opportunity to take on a mentorship role in her community has helped her overcome those inhibitions: “I’m much less hesitant when it comes to participating in activities I wouldn’t have previously done.”
Eleanor Namuddu, the head coach for swimming participants, recognized Khrystine’s passion from the start.
When Khrystine started with the program, it was easy to see that it wasn't all about fulfilling her hours – she was there because she wanted to make a difference in our swimmers' lives and that she has achieved and even more. The bond she creates with the athletes and the trust she builds with them is amazing. I look forward to having her back for the upcoming seasons.
The Big Take Away
Working with people with intellectual disabilities was eye-opening for Khrystine.
“Don’t underestimate them. At first, seeing the daily struggles of this population, you might feel sorry for them and their families. After working with the athletes, you realize that there is no reason to feel that way. They are just as capable as anyone else!”
Her athletes, each on their own personal journey, made a lasting impression on Khrystine and are part of the reason that she continues to volunteer with the Special Olympics even though she’s long ago completed her Community Service Learning requirement.
“The 2 hours a week I am at the pool, I forget all about school and stress. It is so fun to be there and help people however I can. The athletes have such a joyful approach to life and it is infectious! I always leave with a smile on my face.”
The program runs September to April every Friday from 5pm-7pm.