2024 Athlete of the Year - Christian Gerro
Christian Gerro has been a dedicated athlete with Special Olympics Nova Scotia for 19 years, excelling in athletics, bowling, and Unified Sports. While an extremely accomplished athlete, Christian’s path to success was not without its challenges. Born with both hearing and visual impairments, he faced hurdles that could easily have discouraged him from pursuing his passion for athletics. However, Christian’s unrelenting spirit and work ethic propelled him forward and taken him to the highest levels of competition within Special Olympics.
At the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, he earned a gold medal in long jump and a bronze in the 4×100 relay. While his athletic achievements are impressive, those who know him are even more inspired by his positive attitude, kindness, and dedication to lifting up others.
Off the field, Christian is an artist, crafting intricate origami that showcases his creativity and focus. Whether he’s training for a race or folding the flags of his team, Christian’s attention to detail and love for what he does inspires everyone around him. He is a role model for his peers and proof that with passion and perseverance, we can reach incredible heights.
2024 Coach of the Year - Rebecca Lavigne
For the past decade, Rebecca Lavigne has been a vital part of the Special Olympics Sackville-Bedford Bravehearts community, where her leadership as Head Coach for both the swimming and basketball teams has shaped the programs. Her warm, approachable style and commitment to inclusion have attracted athletes of all abilities, as well as new assistant coaches eager to join her teams.
This year, Rebecca launched an innovative Developmental Swimming Program, giving younger athletes the chance to build skills and confidence, laying the groundwork for future competitive success. In addition to her coaching roles, she serves as treasurer on the club’s board, managing its finances and playing a key role in community fundraising efforts. Rebecca’s quiet yet effective leadership has a profound impact on everyone she works with.
Whether at practice or behind the scenes, she brings heart, vision, and tireless effort to everything she does. Her athletes don’t just learn the sport—they grow in confidence and belief in themselves, thanks to the inspiring support of Coach Rebecca.
2024 Athlete Community Excellence Award - Natalie Branscombe
Natalie Branscombe is a shining example of both an athlete and a leader. Excelling in swimming, curling, and basketball, Natalie is more than just a competitor—she’s a dedicated ambassador for the Special Olympics movement. As a founding member of the Canadian Athlete Leadership Council in 2016, she played a key role in shaping the future of Special Olympics programming nationwide, ensuring the voices of athletes are heard and represented.
Over the past 14 years, Natalie has also served as an athlete ambassador for Motionball, a non-profit that integrates sports with raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Whether advocating at public events, volunteering as a referee, or cheering on her teammates, Natalie’s spirit and dedication to building our inclusive movement have made her a beloved figure in the community. With her electric energy and incredible laugh, Natalie has a unique ability to liven up a room, making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.
Her passion for Special Olympics is central to who she is, and she embraces every opportunity to share that passion, no matter the audience or occasion. Natalie’s presence lifts those around her, naturally inspiring the next generation of athletes and creating a lasting impact in communities across Canada.
2024 Frank Selke Jr. Award - Dr. William Stanish
For over 50 years, Dr. William Stanish has been a world-renowned leader in medicine, orthopedic surgery, and sport. Despite a demanding schedule that includes many pivotal roles across the Canadian sports landscape, Dr. Stanish has always ensured Special Olympics athletes are part of his mission.
He strives to expand healthcare access for people with disabilities and has not only provided expert care to countless Special Olympics athletes but has also spearheaded fundraising efforts, hosting events that have raised over $200,000 for Special Olympics Nova Scotia since 2014. These events not only raise critical funds, but inspire future generations of physicians and business leaders to join the movement and support athletes of all abilities.
Dr. Stanish’s passion for inclusion, health, and community is evident in every facet of his life, making him a true friend to every athlete, coach, and volunteer in the Special Olympics family.
2024 Finalist Athlete of the Year
After 12 years with the Special Olympics, Ashley has emerged as a standout athlete. Representing Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin 2023, being selected to play on the first all-women’s soccer team, securing a bronze medal.
Since that remarkable achievement, Ashley’s confidence and skills have continued to soar. She consistently inspires her teammates to excel, ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity during drills and practice games. A true leader both on and off the field, Ashley embodies the spirit of the Special Olympics and its core values.
Click the link below to watch the full awards broadcast and to view the rest of the winners of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada National Awards.
