Tana Manchester says it's a humbling honour.
The Community Coordinator for Special Olympics Sarnia was recently awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional work with the organization.
The medal is a rare and distinguished recognition for people who demonstrate remarkable dedication, perseverance, and selflessness in their service to their communities.
Manchester said she's proud to be able to inspire others and to create a positive and welcoming environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"They surprised me at our basketball tournament that we held here in Sarnia in January," said Manchester. "Grant (Takacs), from Special Olympics Ontario, came down and took me by surprise after I did all of the welcome announcements and presented me with the award. It's not something I was expecting, but it was very nice for sure."
Manchester said she does what she does for the athletes, not the recognition.
"It is nice to be recognized, and for our whole organization to be recognized as well," she said. "It's not just me. I've always had a vision as to what I want to see happen with Special Olympics in the area. I'm just lucky that I have so many other volunteers and parents and community members that share the same vision. Without the volunteers, we wouldn't have been able to grow and expand as much as we have, and provide these opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It's a very meaningful award for sure."
Manchester said her daughter, Emma, is one of the dozens of athletes involved with Special Olympics Sarnia, and she especially loves basketball.
Emma lives with DDX3X syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disabilities.
"She had a hard time with mainstream sports, so being able to start Special Olympics Sarnia and provide those opportunities for her has made such a huge difference in her life, just being able to participate in sports. Her neurotypical sister had many options, and now Emma does too. She has formed so many friendships and gained so many skills because of Special Olympics Sarnia. It's really made a huge difference in her life."
Special Olympics Sarnia was formed in 2017 when Manchester, alongside her cousin, Paige Robinson, as well as fellow parent and Special Olympics athlete’s mother, Anne Lannan, launched the initiative in the area.
The organization began with just a handful of athletes, and two coaches, with the intention of running two programs.
Now, they offer about a dozen programs to 150 athletes with the support of over 100 dedicated volunteers.