Staying positive during these times is something everyone is striving for.
For the Rutledge sisters in Kelowna, being optimistic is top of mind, and together they乌鸦传媒檙e tackling their new normal.
Kassidy, 21, a Special Olympics BC athlete and speaker, and Kimberly, 24, a mental health and positivity coach, would normally be practicing their crafts in a public setting. However, COVID-19 has forced them to adapt.
Despite this, they乌鸦传媒檙e focusing on the positive. Each day, they train both their bodies and their minds as well as inspire others to do the same. Together they have been helping people stay active and connected during the pandemic.
Every day, Kimberly takes part in virtual coaching sessions through her role as a mental wellness educator and activist. Simultaneously, Kassidy exercises - hoping to one day make it a national competing level.
Around the country, 49,600 people compete in the Special Olympics. The organization aims to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, a feat that has been difficult to achieve over the past ten months.
COVID-19 has prevented athletes from getting together and training, something that people like Kassidy very much look forward to. With many athletes immunocompromised, gathering is made even more difficult.
For most Special Olympians, competing is their life. With limited opportunities for activities, many people with disabilities turn to sport.
乌鸦传媒淭he athleticism is a huge part of it, but I乌鸦传媒檓 going to say maybe 50 per cent is (about) the socializing because they are 乌鸦传媒� they乌鸦传媒檙e all friends 乌鸦传媒搕hey乌鸦传媒檙e all teammates and they all support each other, and love each other,乌鸦传媒� Kimberly said.
乌鸦传媒淪o that乌鸦传媒檚 something they乌鸦传媒檙e obviously all feeling right now. They乌鸦传媒檙e not with their friends.乌鸦传媒�
However, Kassidy hasn乌鸦传媒檛 let that prevent her from pursuing her dream. Her love for competing is enough to drive her out of bed each morning.
She swims, skis, runs, power-lifts and show-shoes competitively at both the BC Games, and locally. Last year, the swim season was cut short, including a competition scheduled for the end of the year.
乌鸦传媒淚t乌鸦传媒檚 just disappointing, obviously they train so hard, and then for this to happen,乌鸦传媒� Kimberly said.
For Kassidy, working out and creating art is her saving grace.
Every second day, she works out a different part of her body; in between, she swims.
Twice a week she participates in art classes downtown Kelowna. Outside of that, she乌鸦传媒檚 connecting with others and spending time in the gym.
Every week, she trains virtually with her Special Olympics coach.
She has also used the pandemic as an opportunity to learn how to cook. As a result, she乌鸦传媒檚 eating healthier.
乌鸦传媒淚 stay fit so that when I do go back to my sports I乌鸦传媒檓 ready,乌鸦传媒� she said.
The athlete encouraged others to follow suit, and also stay connected.
乌鸦传媒淩each out to people, because we乌鸦传媒檙e all struggling. So reach out to someone to talk to them about their problems.乌鸦传媒�
Staying connected doesn乌鸦传媒檛 stop on the phone, either. Kassidy has been penning letters to friends and family around the country. She does this to ensure they know they乌鸦传媒檙e not alone.
Most importantly, the sisters inspire each other. 乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檓 always envisioning a world that乌鸦传媒檚 better for people with disabilities. I think she is my motivation,乌鸦传媒� said Kimberly.
When she isn乌鸦传媒檛 focused on school, Kimberly乌鸦传媒檚 helping to mentor children with special needs designs programming for Special Olympics BC, coaches sports and mentors people struggling with mental health.
A stigma surrounding mental health, she said, needs to disappear, adding the way to break the stigma down is to openly talk about mental health with others.
READ MORE: North Okanagan Knights goalie turns to pro golf, wins first event
READ MORE: Big White ties new COVID-19 case growth to 乌鸦传媒榰nsanctioned Australia Day gatherings乌鸦传媒�
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
