March 14 to 21, Abu Dhabi: the time and place of the biggest sports event in the world in 2019, the Special Olympics World Games.
Genny Verge, an accomplished athlete, and Orca Special O Sunshine Coast swimmer, will join over 7,000 athletes from 177 countries across the globe.
What makes this particular athlete stand out? Her dedication. Genny has been a Special O athlete for eight years. She joined because of the inclusiveness and the sense of welcoming.
She trains with the support of head coach Cathy Verge, Chinook coach Rob Hyde and former coach Catherine Duncombe, day in and day out, on everything from freestyle and diving, to breath control and underwater kicking.
Genny’s thoughts on competition: “When I swim I want to make Sechelt proud.” She focuses on “her race” and gets “in the zone.”
She looks forward to meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and hanging out with Team Canada during her stay in Abu Dhabi.
To any Special O athlete who wishes to follow in her footsteps, Genny has this advice: “Have confidence in yourself. Don’t give up. You can do what you set your mind to. Embrace the moment.”
Sound words. Go Genny, go!
To follow Genny and Team Canada during the games, see www.specialolympics.ca/games-events/meet-special-olympics-team-canada
– Mike Oswald, Athlete Reporter
