Louise Sanderson

Louise moved to Annapolis County in 1988 with her husband and two daughters.

Her daughter, Jennifer, was very fortunate to be able to participate in a Special Olympics program in Ontario from the time she was eight years old until her move to Annapolis County at age nineteen. Louise saw the real benefits of this program that was offered to participants with an intellectual disability; that is, the benefits of both physical activity and social activity.

Annapolis County had no Special Olympics program. Residents in supervised apartments, adult residential centres and in homes with their families would benefit from such a program. Louise took on the task of building the Special Olympics program as it is today in our county. In meeting with Louise, she stated, “It is vital for these individuals to have physical activity and social activity.” Louise worked for six months to “sell” this program in our county and for an enthusiasm to develop for this program. In 1989 the Special Olympics program started in Annapolis County and has been going strong ever since. There were nine participants in the first year and years since there have been as many as forty participants.

The first year in the program was limited to outdoor sports because of the lack of equipment. In the second year, floor hockey was added and parents and friends began to volunteer to help Louise. In 1990, participants went to their first Special Olympics competition. As participants get older they have to join in a less active program, a seniors program which includes bocce, horseshoes and washer toss.

Interest in all sports continues to grow each year. Annapolis County has had several athletes go to the National Games and win medals. One athlete attended the International Games and also won a medal. Louise was chairperson of Annapolis County Special Olympics for twelve years. Twice a year Louise attended meetings in Halifax with other provincial representatives. As in most organizations, fundraising projects were necessary. They needed to pay for equipment, bussing and fees to attend provincial competitions. They held car washes, hotdog roasts and ticket sales. After living in Annapolis County for a couple of years, Louise became a board member of The Revolving Door. This organization with many workshop activities is now known as Carleton Road Industries Association. Many of the Special Olympians work there. Louise visited there often as a board member. Louise stated that both Special Olympics and Carlton Road Industries provide a fulfilling life for those with intellectual disabilities.

When Louise retired from the Annapolis County Special Olympics program, she was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her service to the coaches and athletes of Annapolis County Special Olympics. Louise was also nominated as a volunteer in Annapolis County for her newspaper work on the Shoreline News. As a result of Louise’s efforts, Annapolis County residents with an intellectual disability have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle through sport. Athletes have enjoyed travel, camaraderie and teamwork while benefiting from physical activity.

Thank you, Louise, for all your dedication and hard work.