What swimming with the Special Olympics has given me

By Breanne Mackenzie

I have been involved with Special Olympics for 12 years now.

Finding my place with Special Olympics

I have always really enjoyed sports, and I have loved swimming for as long as I can remember. In 2014, I was given the opportunity to join the Special Olympics swim team in Peterborough, and it has become a very important part of my life.

One of the things I enjoy most about being part of the swim team is having people around me who support and encourage me. I have made friendships, met so many great people, and have always felt supported by my teammates and coaches.

One of the biggest reasons I love Special Olympics is because of how inclusive it is. No matter what your disability is, you are welcomed, supported, and challenged to be the best you can be. You have the opportunity to improve your skills, move up through different levels in your sport and, most importantly, be part of a team.

A dream comes true

For many years, I dreamed about competing at the National Games. In August 2026, that dream finally came true when I had the opportunity to travel to Medicine Hat, Alberta, and compete with Team Ontario.

Travelling to Medicine Hat was an experience I will never forget. Being able to wear our Team Ontario uniforms through the airport was such an honour. I was so proud to represent Ontario, and getting to experience it with my best friend made it even more special.

Even the plane ride to Alberta was something I had never experienced before. The pilot announced that Team Ontario was on the plane, and all of the athletes started cheering. Everyone was so excited to be travelling together to the National Games. We even cheered during takeoff and landing. It was such a fun experience and reminded me that we were all in this together.

When I arrived in Medicine Hat, I was excited and nervous. I went into the competition telling myself that it was already amazing that I had made it this far. I wanted to have fun, enjoy every moment, and take in the experience. I wasn't expecting to win medals, especially a gold medal in one of my most challenging races.

One of the moments that stands out the most was my 50-metre backstroke race. When my coach told me that I had won gold, I was completely shocked. I had never expected to win gold in that race. Standing at the medal ceremony and hearing my name called was one of the proudest moments of my life.

I ended up coming home with four medals: gold in the 50-metre backstroke, silver in the 25-metre freestyle, bronze in the 50-metre freestyle, and bronze in the 25-metre backstroke.

Winning four medals meant so much to me, but the medals were only one part of the experience. I was proud of myself for making it to the National Games and being able to compete alongside so many other athletes.

Having my family there to watch me receive my medals made the experience even more special. I was able to celebrate something I had worked so hard for with the people who have supported me throughout my swimming journey.

I also knew that so many family members, friends, and people from my community back home in Ontario were cheering me on and supporting me from afar. Knowing I had so many people behind me made the experience even more meaningful.

More than swimming

Swimming and Special Olympics have given me so much more than the opportunity to compete. They have given me confidence, friendships, and memories. I have had opportunities to travel, meet new people, and compete at a national level.

My experience as a Special Olympics athlete has also influenced my work with the Council for Persons with Disabilities. I have been involved with CPD in different positions since 2011, and now I have the opportunity to share my experiences with many different people through the programs we provide.

Being able to share my story and show others what is possible means a lot to me. As a Special Olympics athlete, I know how important it is to have opportunities to be included, supported, and given a chance to try something new.

Give yourself a chance

If someone with a disability is thinking about getting involved in a sport or community program, I would tell them to give it a try. You don't have to be the best, and you don't have to know exactly what you are doing when you start. Find something you enjoy, meet new people, and give yourself a chance. You never know where it might take you.

For me, swimming started many years ago, and I never imagined it would take me all the way to Medicine Hat to represent Ontario at the National Games. I am so grateful for everything Special Olympics and swimming have given me over the past 12 years and even before that.

I am proud of how far I have come, and I am excited to see where my swimming journey takes me next.