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The Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games kick off today in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and Safeway will be well-represented by incredible athletes who are also Safeway employees. One of those athletes is 34-year-old Jesse Bouchard from Safeway Callingwood in Edmonton, Alberta.
How/when did you first become involved with Special Olympics?
Since 2011, I have been involved with Special Olympics. I became involved because my interest in sports and I wanted to meet and interact with others who had their own challenges. Since then, I have established many friendships and gratification from my participation.
How has Special Olympics impacted your life?
I love meeting other people with different challenges, and I love the team camaraderie and coaches.
I’ve developed long-term friendships and have been able to go to different levels that I wasn’t sure that I could accomplish while illustrating my competitiveness. I am very competitive.
What sports do you play?
I play soccer, floor hockey and other sports. I also enjoy bowling and golf.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Beating the doctors’ odds that I wouldn’t be able to walk or talk. And bowling a perfect game in 5-pin, scoring 450 points! And also representing Team Alberta this year at Nationals.
What are some goals you have?
To make another provincial team through the Edmonton open 5-pin bowling tournament. My goal is to win Nationals in soccer in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
How long have you worked at Safeway?
I have been working for Callingwood Safeway for 10 years and 5 months.
What do you like best about working at Safeway?
I love helping others and I like being part of such a great team at Callingwood Safeway.
Keep up with stories like Jesse’s by following @SobeysSpecialOlympics on Instagram and share your own story using #YourBiggestFan.
Sobeys Inc. is a co-presenting sponsor of the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games and will be at the games providing thousands of healthy snacks and meals to fuel athletes, coaches and volunteers and cheering on the incredible Special Olympics athletes.
