Paige Norton
Local Community
Abbotsford
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved with Special Olympics when I was 9 years old. My brother was speed skating and the coach thought I should try it, so away I went. Before long I was in the swimming program and it grew on me from there. I take part in 9 sports now: speedskating, athletics, soccer, swimming, basketball, softball, club fit, golf, and of course, powerlifting.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
I competed in the 2025 SOBC Summer Games for powerlifting and have been named to the training team to attend the National Games in Medicine Hat, AB for my 2nd National Summer Games. This will be my 6th National Games including both the winter and the summer.
I am very lucky to have been to the Provincial Games for speed skating in 2007, to have qualified for the National Games in Quebec City for the first time in 2008, and to have made Team Canada for the World Winter Games in 2009. It is so hard to pick what my favorite part was, since it was all so much fun.
As a member of SO Team BC, I've been fortunate enough to earn multiple medals in speed skating at the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games and for athletics at the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. I also participated with pride in athletics, swimming and speed skating at five BC Winter and Summer Games, and in regional and provincial competitions through my generic speed skating clubs, the Matsqui Blades and Langley Blades.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I'm pleased that I won my weight division, taking home a gold medal. Most of all, I am happy with my personal record performances. Personal bests are the goal because that means all the hard work has been worth it.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I think it's cool and awesome. I get to represent Team BC and that makes me really proud of my accomplishments.
What is your goal for these National Games?
I want to lift really well and do my best in all my events for myself and for my teammates. Getting personal records would be the icing on the cake. I also want to see old friends and make new friends.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My most memorable Special Olympics experience was in February 2009, when I got to represent Canada at the World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. I won the first medal of the Games, taking home a gold. My grandma had come all the way from Winnipeg to see me skate for the first time.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I like lifting heavy!
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I would tell them it's really fun, you make a lot of new friends, and the dances are amazing! Sports are about more than just winning. You get to demonstrate that hard work and dedication pays off by succeeding in sport and in life!
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I live with my parents, I have two amazing older brothers, and two sisters-in law. I love Disneyland, roller coasters, travelling, and animals. I love sports and being part of Special Olympics. I am an athlete speaker and like giving presentations to people so I can tell them all about how great Special Olympics is. I belong to a community day program but my dream job is being a model. I want to move out on my own one day!
I think of myself as confident, courageous, and an accomplished athlete, and a great ambassador for SOBC in my community. I always try my best, showing good sportsmanship and living a healthy lifestyle, to be a great example to other athletes in my Local, province, across the country, and around the world.