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31 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M ay 9,2019 theifp.ca lions handed out province- wide, Emily doesn't even have bragging rights in her own home. That's because her mom, Debbie, was also presented with a medallion award in the builder catego- ry, for "a person who exem- plifies leadership, dedica- tion, perseverance and im- pact as a leader within the Special Olympics move- ment." Debbie Boycott was looking for sporting oppor- tunities for Emily, who was already involved in swim- ming. Emily enjoyed music and dancing, and her mom thought gymnastics might be a good way to combine the two. However, there were no Special Olympics gymnastics programs avail- able. Not letting that deter her, she started one, the Oakville Butterflies. "I wanted her to have the chance to meet friends like our other kids did, and stay fit," Debbie said. Rhythmic gymnastics soon took off as an official Special Olympics sport. The Oakville club spawned the Georgetown Sunflowers, where Emily now coaches, and a former Butterflies volunteer started a club in Newmarket. Boycott, who has run workshops for fledgling clubs from the Maritimes to the Yukon, said other sports organizations play an im- portant part in Special Olympics programs. The Butterflies received help from gym clubs in Oakville and Burlington to choreo- graph routines and lend their facility for practices. "Curling is getting popu- lar now (in Special Olym- pics), but curling couldn't exist without the curling clubs opening up to them," Boycott said. "They come on board, give them some ice time, then they start help- ing them. The whole club gets behind the team, and that's what you want. It's a step toward inclusiveness." But it starts with some- one taking that initial step to provide the opportunity for the athletes. Then you need the athletes to em- brace those opportunities and take full advantage of them. The Boycotts have done both. "It has been an adven- ture I never would have pre- dicted," Debbie said. "I would have never have thought there would have been so many amazing op- portunities." Emily has had the chance to compete in Shanghai, Athens, London and Los Angeles. "I like the travel," says Emily, who has retired from rhythmic gymnastics but is now looking to qualify for nationals in swimming, "and I like being with my friends." Emily isn't the only one who has benefited from her involvement with Special Olympics, though. "We've met lifelong friends through Special Olympics," Debbie says. COMMUNITY Continued from page 29 EMILY HAS COMPETED ALL OVER THE WORLD Saturday May 11th Only! 11am to 3pm Paint and PotA Flower For Mom! Like us on • www.unitedlumber.ca 333 Guelph St. Georgetown 12833 Hwy 50 S. Bolton 520 Bayfield St N, Barrie Savings available until May 19th, 2019 y pricing. Savings available until May 19th, 2019 Cash & carry pricing. SPRING SAVINGS EVENT! Scav enge r Hun t! $797Per Bag Pool Salt For all salt water chlorinators. Quick disolving. Contains no additives. 20 kg. 7154-648 WATERTESTING NowAvailable! *Georgetown & Bolton locations only Georgetown's trusted choice for hearing care 360 Guelph St., Unit 44 Georgetown (In the Knolcrest Centre) 905.877.8828 Armstrong Ave Delrex Blvd Finally, test drive hearing aids that let you decide at your own speed. At Halton Audiometric Centre, we believe the only way to know which hearing aid is right for you is to experience the benefits in your day-to-day life. Take home and test drive state of the art hearing aids today with NO COMMITMENT OR DEPOSIT REQUIRED. Call us today for your free consultation