Adrian Rosen, 28, is one of 18 Special Olympic athletes who will be attending the BC Winter Games in Kamloops from Feb. 2 to 4.
Local athletes will be competing in snowshoeing, curling and five-pin bowling.
Rosen is a snowshoer who will be competing in the 200m, 400m and 800m races and was out at Lac des Bois elementary school field Saturday afternoon as part of his training.
“It was back in 2008 when I decided to try it,” Rosen said about competing in the Special Olympics.
Other sports Rosen competes in are 10-pin bowling, basketball, floor hockey and golf.
He attends a fitness boot camp to increase his level of athleticism so he’s ready for any sport he takes on.
His secret to being an athlete?
“It just comes natural to me,” Rosen said with a smile. “And I like everything.”
When it comes to snowshoeing, he prefers the longer distances because he’s got the endurance to finish strong, he added.
“With a sprint if just feels like vroom and then I’m already at the finish line,” Adrian laughed.
Suni Dunn, who is the snowshoeing assistant coach, said Rosen is a very gentle, giving, kind man who is thoughtful and supportive of his fellow athletes. Rosen lives independently, is employed and also has his own vehicle and driver’s licence.
“Adrian is so helpful,” Dunn said. “When we arrive at an event and we have to load or unload he’s always the first to offer to help. He’s also very kind and gentle.”
Dunn gave this example of Rosen’s thoughtfulness.
Special Olympians go to Club Fit, which helps the athlete achieve and maintain a level of fitness that improves health and offers a sense of well being. When Dunn had a conflict in her schedule, Adrian was the first to volunteer to get Dunn’s son, David, to the fitness class.
“It’s very touching for him to think of that for one thing, and also to be wanting to help and he’s just a delight to have around,” Dunn. “All the athletes are very supportive of one another.”
For more information visit Special Olympics BC.
