The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
For Heather Todoschuk, receiving 2006 Female Coach of the Year honours for Special Olympics means that "hard work and dedication pays off." She was honoured during the Special Olympics Manitoba Heroes Hall of Fame ceremony in Winnipeg on April 22, which inducted eight athletes and 10 others. "It was pretty amazing," Todoschuk said. While she felt the experience of being at the ceremony was amazing, it's been truly rewarding for her to work with athletes who are part of the Flin Flon Flyers swim team. "The community of Special Olympics is amazing," Todoschuk said. "I just find it very rewarding. The organization is so good. It's been good to me." She's enjoyed the satisfaction of watching athletes grow. It's something she felt a part of. "As a coach you learn, you just learn so much from experience," she explained. "The joy from them when they succeed. You just want to help." Being involved with Special Olympics is one of the highlights in her life along with having two kids and being married for 22 years. Todoschuk received the honour thanks to letters submitted on her behalf by Arlene and Jennifer Milton, Flin Flon recreation director, Brenda Russell, as well as Betty, Lyle, and Kim Spiller. "She puts so much time into Special Olympics," Arlene said. "She's cheerful, caring and involved." Arlene said Todoschuk's ability to communicate with the athletes is why she work so well with the athletes them. "She can get them to do things," she said. "It seems natural for her." Arlene added that Todoschuk has been great with Jennifer, who will compete in the National Summer Games in Brandon, and the two have become friends. "I'm kind of happy about it," Arlene said of Todoschuk's recognition. "She deserves it. She goes beyond what's expected." "We're very proud of her," Russell said. "She's a deserving recipient and dedicated to making it a successful program." It's the second time Todoschuk has been nominated in 16 years. She admits that being recognized was something she thought could happen, but appreciation is there. "I coach because it's an amazing experience Ð not for the award," she said. Todoschuk got involved when Leona Belanger, the previous coach, asked her to take over when she left Flin Flon. At the time, Todoschuk was a life guard during the team's sessions. She is glad to have been asked.
