OLDS — Karen Mengersen, a volunteer with Special Olympics Olds and District for nearly 40 years and currently its chair, has received a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The medal was presented to her by Sam Colby, Special Olympics community coordinator for Central Alberta, during a dinner March 15.
Information about those medals says they are awarded to people who have “made significant contributions to the country or made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.”
Recipients must have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of King Charles’ coronation.
During an interview with the Albertan, Mengersen said she’s been involved with Special Olympics since 1986, when her son Mark was two years old.
“We saw Lanny McDonald close the Special Olympics Summer Games in Calgary and knew there would be a meaningful future for our youngest son,” she said.
“When we returned home that day, we looked into the affiliate in Olds and started volunteering (mainly my husband, but we did things as a family) in Olds.”
When Mark started bowling with Special Olympics Olds at age 12, Mengersen became a parent rep. She currently runs the bowling program.
Eventually Mengersen became chair of Special Olympics Olds and District when the previous chair stepped down.
“With the help of many wonderful volunteers over the years, our affiliate has grown from three sports to 11 different sports,” she said.
Mengersen began her career as a teacher in the U.S. in 1968.
“Special Olympics has allowed me to continue working with and -- maybe not teaching -- but giving members of my community who have different needs a chance to participate in sports they enjoy with people who accept them for who they are,” she said.
“It has also brought me so many wonderful friends who have also become great volunteers.
“Most importantly, Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to serve God by serving and caring for others.”
Mengersen was asked if her involvement in Special Olympics changed her understanding of inclusion and intellectual disabilities.
“When Mark was born, our family entered a whole new part of society, one that held so many unknowns,” she said.
“Special Olympics taught all of our family the importance of acceptance of who we are as individuals and of the potential each of us has.
“We cannot do it alone, but within community, each and every person can experience success in their life.”
Mengersen said her favourite part of being involved in Special Olympics is “the lasting friendships I have experienced and the high fives and the ‘hi coach’ I hear every day.
“Special Olympics has given me a way to serve God in a caring and meaningful way every day of every week, all year long.”
Mengersen said receiving the medal was “a great honour.”
“I don’t feel that my volunteering is anything extraordinary, as it would not amount to much without the many wonderful volunteers who help every week with our 11 sports throughout the year,” she said. “Thank you to all.”
- With files from Murray Elliott
