By Craig Skinner
Tim Siebrasse is busy on the ice, preparing for a moment of hometown glory, in what could be the crowning achievement in his athletic career.
Siebrasse, 24, and develop-mentally delayed, is preparing for the figure skating competition at the Canadian Special Olympics 2000 Winter Games in Ottawa, Jan. 25-30. A two-sport athlete, Siebrasse also swam at the 1998 Summer Games in Sudbury, winning a gold and a bronze medal.
Siebrasse has a hard time picking between the two sports. Swimming was Sie-brasse’s first love when he got involved with the Special Olympics six years ago, and he began figure skating in 1996.
“I like both of them,” he says. “Swimming is easier, but skating is good too. They’re both really fun.”
However, with the Winter Games fast approaching, his focus is on figure skating.
Like many locals, Siebrasse’s first skating experience came on the Rideau Canal, but now he spends much of his time honing his skills in a Centretown arena.
Siebrasse takes skating classes Saturday at the Minto Arena and trains with fellow Special Olympians Sundays at the McNabb Arena. Siebras-se’s coach, Anne-Marie Berge-ron, says he’s working hard to get ready for the games.
“Tim does whatever I ask of him. He never says ‘no’ and never says ‘I can’t’ on the ice,” she says. “He’s always willing to work and try his best.”
Jocelyn Kula, who has coached Siebrasse in swimming, says sports have also helped him grow as a person.
“In the beginning, Tim was very immature,” she says. “But sports have strengthened his character and helped him mature. He’s come out of his shell, and gotten to know all sorts of new people.”
Siebrasse’s hard work and maturity paid off when he won bronze medals in figure skating at the Ontario Special Olympics Winter Games in 1997 and 1999, with the latter result helping him qualify for the upcoming Winter Games.
Wendy Siebrasse, Tim’s mother, says she is proud of her son’s accomplishments.
“When Tim first got involved we weren’t thinking about competitions and medals,” she says. “But it’s been great. I’m so happy with the way things have worked out, and everything that he’s been able to do.”
If Siebrasse does well at the Winter Games in January, he will be considered for a spot on Canada’s team for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Alaska.
“It would be nice to make the Worlds, but it would be OK if it doesn’t happen,” he says. “I just want to do my best, hope it’s enough to win a medal, and make some new friends.”