Special Olympics St. Albert is like a second family for Sydney Verkerk.
“It’s pretty cool,” said the organization’s athlete of the month. “The environment is safe and I feel really comfortable.”
This is Verkerk’s second year with the Special Olympics program and her circle of friends continues to grow.
“I have lots of friends and I have lots of fun making new friends,” said the Grade 11 Bellerose Composite High School student.
Verkerk, 17, is also an active member on the Special Olympics St. Albert athlete leadership committee.
“It’s fun. You get to help out and you plan a lot of things. You also fundraise,” said Verkerk, who is proud of her role on the committee. “It’s good, really good.”
A tight group of supporters in Special Olympics St. Albert allows Verkerk to reach her potential. The coaches are “fantastic” and her teammates are “a lot of fun.”
A year-round schedule of swimming, bowling, track and field, and softball keeps Verkerk busy. Track is her favourite “because I can run fast.”
Verkerk’s specialties are the 100 and 200 metres, long jump and shot put.
“I like the 100 better. I can feel the confidence running fast.”
Verkerk added to her vast collection of ribbons with first-place finishes in the 100m and 200m at last weekend’s meet in Edmonton.
Verkerk is always nervous before a race but “I take deep breaths” to calm down.
The next big competition for Verkerk is a softball tournament in August. She enjoys playing left field “and I really like to bat.”
Her enthusiasm was one of several traits recognized by Special Olympics St. Albert as its athlete of the month. She was honoured for displaying athleticism, leadership and determination, which was evident while pushing through the pain of shin splits to complete all of her events at the track meet.
But the ultimate compliment by the selectors described Verkerk as always having a positive presence and is a joy to coach.
Verkerk admitted she was surprised by the selection.
“It’s very special.”
Visit www.specialolympics.ab.ca/st-albert for information on the Special Olympics St. Albert program.
