OLDS — Olds & District Special Olympics chair Karen Mengersen has received a Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award for her involvement with Special Olympics Alberta.
The award was presented May 6 during a Special Olympics Alberta (SOA) affiliate conference in Edmonton.
It’s the highest award bestowed by SOA to a volunteer and recognizes dedication to the organization over several decades.
“I was honoured and overwhelmed when I received a standing ovation from a room full of fellow volunteers from across the province,” Mengersen told the Albertan.
“The lifetime achievement award goes to an individual who exemplifies the spirit, philosophy and goals of the Special Olympics movement,” an on-screen presentation said.
“Winners are chosen based on their contributions to the development, awareness and success of Special Olympics in their community and in Alberta.”
Mengersen has been a volunteer with Special Olympics for more than 20 years.
Her involvement, and that of her husband Ernest, began after they saw former Calgary Flames forward Lanny McDonald declare the 1986 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games closed.
“We asked somebody what he was doing because I recognized Lanny McDonald because of his wonderful orange, red mustache at the time,” Mengersen said during an interview with the Albertan.
“They told us that it was the closing ceremonies for the World, Games for Special Olympics.”
Mengersen’s son Mark who has Down syndrome, was only two years old at the time. He’s now a very heavily involved and enthusiastic Special Olympics athlete.
When Karen and Ernest got home from the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games they discovered there was a Special Olympics program in Olds but at that time, only bowling and track and field programs were offered.
Ernest immediately began volunteering with the bowling program. Karen and their four kids started attending to watch and help out where they could.
When Mark turned 10 he was finally able to join the bowling and track and field teams. Karen became a parent rep.
In about 2004, Karen became the ODSO chair when the person who had been chair retired.
“I didn't want the program to fold," she said.
At that time, the program offered three sports: bowling, track and field and skiing and about 65 athletes were involved.
“We now have 11 sports going on 12 and I have 122 athletes and I have 27 volunteers,” she said.
Over the years, as coach, Mengersen has travelled across the country, from B.C. to Prince Edward Island for various competitions.
A major highlight for her was watching Mark compete and win a silver medal during the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Mengersen said “it was an honour for sure” to receive the lifetime achievement award.
“I do what I do because I enjoy doing it and because it's helping other people,” she added.
She was asked how long she plans to continue her involvement in Special Olympics.
“I'm sure (until) the day I die,” she said with a laugh. “I have no idea.
“Mark is involved in every one of our sports, except for skiing, and I do strongly believe that if you stay active, you stay healthy and you may have a chance of living longer. So I am staying active because my son is very active.”
Mengersen has been involved in many other activities in Olds over the years.
She served on the board of the Horizon School for special needs children for 12 years and then worked as a classroom assistant for six years.
She became heavily involved in figure skating when two of her children were in that sport and was instrumental instrumental in bringing the CANSKATE program to Olds.
Mengersen has utilized her musical talent by participating in the sing-along group at the Continuing Care Centre, her church, the Olds Community Choir and lately the Evergreen Senior Singers.
