Meet Athlete Maire O'Connor, Empire Family of Brands Ambassador
Maire O’Connor experiences the joy of sport, friendship, and belonging through Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam programs.
At 11 years old, O’Connor is already a busy young athlete, participating in FUNdamentals, gymnastics, swimming, and soccer with Special Olympics BC.
FUNdamentals is for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of seven and 11. Participants develop friendships, confidence, and basic sport skills.
O’Connor says she has a great time in FUNdamentals when she’s “playing with basketball, shooting, and dribbling.”
Her favourite part about being a Special Olympics athlete? “Swimming at the pool!”
From June 11 to 21, O’Connor will be featured as an Athlete Ambassador in the Empire Family of Brands fundraising campaign for Special Olympics. Champions of inclusion can support Special Olympics in participating B.C. Empire stores including Safeway, Thrifty Foods, and West IGA.
Shoppers across the country can say “YES” to making a donation to Special Olympics while shopping for their groceries, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going toward these vital sport, health, and youth programs.
Maire O’Connor’s parents, Meg and James, said they first learned about Special Olympics through connections in their community. Since getting involved, Special Olympics has had a significant impact on Maire and their family.
“It’s given Maire an environment to grow and develop in with accepting friends that was missing in her life before.”
Her family says they have already seen growth in her confidence and abilities.
“Maire is still a young new athlete, and what we have noticed the most is her improvement in swimming. She is getting closer to swimming on her own ever week.”
The O’Connor family believes inclusion in sport and community is important for everyone.
“Being part of a team or a group can be such a beneficial experience for anyone, so no one should be excluded from that experience.”
The theme of Empire’s fundraising campaign for Special Olympics is “Every best is personal.” That resonated with the O’Connor family.
“That is a great message. You shouldn’t have to compare yourself to others. Rising to a challenge is always a cause for celebration.”
When asked what Maire’s personal best looks like, her parents thought about friendship and connection.
“Making new friends for sure. It’s great to see people greet Maire with smiling faces.”
Support from Empire Family of Brands customers helps Special Olympics athletes across Canada access programs that build confidence, inclusion, and community.
“For only $2, you are improving the lives of hundreds of hopeful athletes.”
For families considering Special Olympics programming, the O’Connors offer enthusiastic encouragement.
“One hundred per cent do it! Your child will love it.”
The O’Connors say Special Olympics BC has already become an important part of Maire’s future.
“Since moving back to Canada from Japan, we’ve had trouble finding support for Maire. Special Olympics has been the best experience so far, and I can see it being a part of her life for tens of years into the future.”
Maire also shared a message of thanks to Empire Family of Brands and customers supporting Special Olympics athletes through this year’s campaign:
“Thank you for helping me!”