UNITY - CrossFit enthusiast and Special Olympics volunteer, Shauna Hammer has brought a new program to CrossFit Lair and Special Olympics Unity – powerlifting.
Hammer’s first volunteer experience with Special Olympics was from 2002-05 when she served as treasurer and assisted with bowling and curling. She stepped away for several years, focusing on her children’s activities. She returned in 2009 as treasurer, a position she holds today.
Hammer said she was drawn to the organization through a friendship with the Witzaney family, who were instrumental in bringing Special Olympics to Unity. Hammer said she was moved by the efforts of originating families to give their children with intellectual disabilities a fuller life through access to sports and recreation.
“I felt that even a small contribution on my part could lighten the load for the family members, as well as to serve the athletes who have no family support in the immediate area,” Hammer says.
When asked what inspired her to develop the new powerlifting program Shauna responded, “Bowling has been our core sport for many years, and it is a thriving program, even though the athletes must travel out of town to practise. Now that my children are almost finished with their extracurricular activities, I felt compelled to contribute to a Special Olympics sport that could be offered right in Unity.”
The Special Olympics program spans a wide range of sports, including curling, snowshoeing, golfing, floor hockey and golf.
“I never felt competent enough or passionate enough about any of these sports to lead a program. I think a coach must truly and deeply enjoy and love the sport to successfully inspire athletes to participate, have fun and do their best.”
Hammer says that through her experience with CrossFit, she discovered a passion for barbell sports.
Special Olympics Saskatchewan was looking for coaches interested in certifying for the sport of powerlifting, and Hammer responded. She said the facilitator told success stories of athletes improving co-ordination, mobility and confidence.
“One athlete developed enough strength that he was able to take on additional duties at his workplace.”
The next step was to establish a program in Unity.
A “try it” camp was held Oct. 16 at CrossFit Lair and Hammer said they were not sure what to expect for a turnout as people tend to be apprehensive about trying new things. However, when 16 enthusiastic people came out to the gym, the energy was infectious,
Hammer says she believes they will have four to five athletes and two new volunteers in this program, based on their experience at camp.
The long-term goals of this fitness experience for the Special Olympics program is for an individual to improve through participation that will garner them joy, friendship and physical health benefits.
“At the organizational level, the goal is to create a permanent and ongoing powerlifting program and empower athletes who would like to compete,” Hammer explains.
“On a provincial level, Special Olympics Saskatchewan is looking for ways to promote and encourage the sport of powerlifting. Special Olympics Saskatchewan Unity and District can contribute to this goal by mentoring other communities who want to start a program, and by hosting Special Olympics powerlifting competitions.
“Athletes from other clubs who currently compete attend regular powerlifting meets but, because of the regulations, the athlete must have extremely well-developed technique to compete at that level. A Special Olympics-specific meet would allow developing athletes to enjoy the experience of competition as well.”
