NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
Jaelynn Funk chats with her athletes during her final day as president of Medicine Hat Special Olympics, on Monday at the Medicine Hat Lawn Bowling Club.
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken
Medicine Hat Special Olympics athletes bid their coach and president farewell on Monday evening at the local lawn bowling club.
Funk spent the past four years as president and has been a volunteer with local Special Olympics organization for another two. Looking back on the stretch, Funk says she has nothing but fond memories.
“The Special Olympics has honestly been one of the best things to be part of my life,” she said. “It’s pure joy hanging out with these athletes.”
Funk spent the final day in her role laughing and playing bocce alongside her athletes in the annual season-ending tournament, which features athletes and volunteers competing together.
“We’ve learned all the rules throughout the season, so it kind of gives the athletes their time to show what they can do,” she said. “This summer we were able to get together, thank goodness.”
Brydon Marchand says Funk certainly left a mark on the athletes she coached and cheered on for the past six years, himself included.
“She’s a terrific coach,” said Marchand.
Fellow athlete Chuck McDonald echoed the sentiment, saying he enjoyed spending time with Funk as his coach.
“It’s pretty hard (saying goodbye),” said McDonald, adding it was still great to spend the summer outside with teammates again after going without due to COVID. “It’s nice since we didn’t do anything for two years. It’s nice to see everybody again and stuff.”
In parting, Funk says she hopes more people consider contributing their time to Special Olympics in Medicine Hat, as the athletes “just give you so much joy every day”
“I highly recommend it,” she said. “If you have the time to give, give it for these athletes.”
