Canada Games Team Feature

Leading up to the 2022 Canada Games, we are sharing stories about some of the people representing Team Ontario in the pool this summer

Call it a pivotal time in the life of Sarah McNeil.

Coaching athletes with a variety of intellectual disabilities for the past 20 years, McNeil has been selected as the confidant for Ontario’s Special Olympics swimmers set to compete at the major sports showcase for Canadian amateur athletes.

There was a time when McNeil, now an engineer for a consulting firm, may never have thought she would be leading a group of swimmers to a national extravaganza.

It’s where athletes from across the country, will be fixated on the 2022 Canada Games set for August 6 to 21. Swim events are scheduled for Brock University in St. Catharines, which has the largest swim facility in the Region of Niagara.

For McNeil, it’s all about swimming and athlete success – and huge recognition of her passion and ability to enrich the lives of many individuals.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that I can now be there for these athletes who have worked hard to get to this unique opportunity,” said McNeil, who has her National Coaching Certification Program accreditation.

Recalling her younger years of not being a fan of swim lessons, McNeil still enjoyed the sport – but only at the recreation level. Then, one day after university classes, a friend had asked her to tag along and offer up support with sports events involving Special Olympics.

“I remember it well,” said McNeil, who had a brother with Down syndrome and her mother had also worked with Special Olympics “I was studying at (the University of Western Ontario) and I remember being asked to volunteer. It was so much fun there, participating and helping, that I got hooked.”

When a posting occurred earlier this year, one that was looking to secure a coach for Ontario’s Special Olympics swim team, McNeil threw her name in the hat. It wasn’t long before McNeil would get a telephone call and e-mail, confirming that her background, expertise, and interest fit the criteria.

“I was thrilled to hear my name was chosen – just an eye-opening experience,” she said. “I value an opportunity like this. What is very important, is to be there and help these athletes of all ages and abilities, put their energy into something positive, and experience something special.”

Like most coaches, the focus tends to be on awards, medals, and trophies. Same for McNeil – or is it?

“The swimmers are very competitive, they have worked hard to get to the Canada Games, and they know it’s a unique time for each of them,” said McNeil, who is an honors graduate in chemical engineering. “When they’re in the water, I just want them to do their best and am proud of their accomplishments.”

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.