Ever since Dan MacLennan started volunteering with the Special Olympics, he's wanted to find more ways to help the organization.
“Everything that's wonderful about sports comes out at these games,” said MacLennan, a local businessman and former president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. “I wanted to volunteer more.”
Now, he can.
MacLennan was named the chair of the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games during city council Monday night. Special Olympics Alberta chair Carmen Wyton was on hand to make the announcement, letting council know they had the best man for the job.
“This is going to be the best Special Olympics they've ever had,” she said.
Wyton later said MacLennan was chosen from a list of four to six business leaders. That short list was in turn whittled down until MacLennan was chosen. She said his proven ability as a leader of the province's largest union, combined with his own volunteer experience with the Special Olympics made him the perfect choice.
“He's a genuine, committed individual who gets results every time,” Wyton said in a phone interview. “He's demonstrated his ability to lead people through changes and challenges and be successful.”
Long-time St. Albert residents Dan Roy and Randal Guy will also be on the executive committee for the games, a combination that Wyton said is perfect for the games.
“They are going to be a powerhouse together.”
MacLennan said the next order of business for him, Roy and Guy was to learn more about the Special Olympics before heading to London, Ont. to watch the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games later this year.
“We're into the learning curve,” said MacLennan. “We're going to be watching and seeing what they do [in London] and bringing some of that back here.”
He also said the need for volunteers would be huge, something that he said he is already receiving messages of help for.
“They'll be a need for a large amount of volunteers,” he said. “It's the most fun I've had volunteering.”
Those interested in helping out with the Special Olympics can go to www.specialolympics.ab.ca or call (780) 415-0719.
