The Gift of Just Being Parents: One Family's Special Olympics Story
How a young boy named Andy, a dedicated group of volunteers and an unexpected connection to a retired police chief brought the impact of Special Olympics to life
By James Ham
For Marlena and Ryan, the opportunity to watch their son Andy participate in sports is about much more than physical activity.
It's about independence, friendship, belonging and something that might seem ordinary to other families: the chance to simply be parents.
That was the message Marlena shared with law enforcement leaders during the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) fall conference, where she and her family were invited to speak about the impact of Special Olympics Manitoba.
With humour, warmth and remarkable candour, Marlena described the journey that led her family to Special Olympics and the difference the organization has made in their lives.
Andy was born in Calgary on April 4, 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to reshape life around the world.
His parents received an unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome at birth. At approximately the same time, they learned that their other child had a rare autoimmune disorder.
Suddenly, the family found itself navigating a world of medical appointments, therapies and support needs, while the pandemic made accessing services even more difficult.
Like countless parents, Marlena and Ryan resolved to do whatever was necessary to give their children the best opportunities possible.
They became advocates, caregivers, tutors and therapists, assuming whatever responsibilities were needed to support their children.
But as Andy grew, so did the demands.
In July 2025, the family moved from Calgary to Winnipeg, seeking better educational support for their children.
While grateful for the support they found in Manitoba's school system, they faced another challenge: finding community programs that would allow Andy to participate alongside other children without one of his parents having to act as his support worker.
They explored soccer, gymnastics and other activities.
Then they discovered Special Olympics Manitoba.
The opportunity to simply be parents
Through the organization's Active Start program, Andy found an environment where he could participate with the support of coaches and volunteers.
For Marlena and Ryan, it was an opportunity they had long hoped to find.
"When Andy doesn't have support, the practical reality is that Ryan and I have to wear another hat," Marlena explained.
Instead of cheering from the sidelines, celebrating a goal or sharing the excitement of a game with other parents, they often found themselves responsible for helping Andy participate.
They were no longer simply parents enjoying their child's experiences. They were also his support workers.
"And while we'll do it time and time again, because you would too, for your kids, let me tell you the gift it is when we don't have to."
Marlena described the simple joys that become possible when someone else is there to provide the support Andy needs.
Watching a child participate in a school concert. Cheering them on during a game. Celebrating their accomplishments, mistakes and unexpected acts of kindness.
"When, for a moment, our role can just be parent and not caregiver."
But the benefits extend well beyond giving his parents a chance to cheer from the sidelines.
Through Special Olympics, Andy is developing independence, building friendships and learning to trust and interact with adults outside his family.
He is discovering that the people around him are there not only to keep him safe, but to celebrate his accomplishments and take joy in his company.
A special connection to law enforcement
Among the people who have made a difference in Andy's experience is Tanner, a coach with the Active Start program who has continued to provide enthusiastic programming even during weeks when Andy was the only participant.
Another is Danny Smyth, a volunteer who has embraced Andy's boundless energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring every staircase and unopened door he can find.
Marlena recalled Ryan returning home from one particularly energetic Active Start session, convinced Danny might reconsider volunteering after spending so much time chasing Andy up and down the stairs at Sport Manitoba.
Yet the following Tuesday, Danny was back.
And he kept coming back.
Only recently did Marlena learn that Danny was a retired chief of the Winnipeg Police Service.
That discovery provided an unexpected connection between her family's experience and the law enforcement community gathered at the conference.
It also gave her an opportunity to joke that Andy was simply ensuring the retired police chief maintained his physical conditioning.
Behind the humour was a sincere appreciation for the volunteers who show up week after week, providing encouragement, patience and genuine enthusiasm for the athletes they support.
For Andy, those relationships are helping him build confidence, develop social skills and discover what he can accomplish independently.
For his parents, they represent an extraordinary gift.
More than fundraising
Marlena's presentation followed an update from Special Olympics Manitoba on the success of law enforcement-supported fundraising initiatives, including the Polar Plunge.
Those events help fund programs such as Active Start, creating opportunities for young athletes like Andy and their families.
Marlena told delegates that the volunteers embrace Andy's endless energy, high-fives, hugs and enthusiasm, celebrating his accomplishments while helping him navigate new routines and experiences.
"Your support of this program ensures that we can continue to expose Andy to physical literacy, friends and coaches, and as parents, to the joy of just being parents."
She ended with a message for the police officers, civilian members and law enforcement leaders who help organize and participate in the fundraising activities that support Special Olympics Manitoba.
"So, the next time you're about to jump into vast frigid waters, and any sense of doubt creeps in, please think of Andy and his very tired parents."
It was a message delivered with humour, but rooted in deep appreciation.
Because for Marlena, Ryan and Andy, the difference made by Special Olympics isn't measured only in fundraising totals or participation numbers.
It's measured in friendships, independence, encouragement and the simple joy of watching a child succeed.