THE POWER OF DREAMS:  PAUL OLSEN JUNIOR'S STORY

 

 Paul's Dreams:
  1. To be featured in the MAPCL newsletter
  2. To live independently
  3. To give a speech at the Special Olympics Awards Banquet this summer
  4. To be on TV – The Sports Network
  5. To win a national Special Olympics competition and represent Canada in another country.
  6. To share his life with a partner.

For Paul Olsen Junior, seeing this article in print is a dream that has come true.

As you will soon discover, Paul has a wonderful story to share about his experiences in MAPCL programs and how they have helped him achieve his dreams.  I invite you read on and learn about Paul’s pathway to success.

It took us about three weeks to coordinate our schedules and set a time to conduct the interview.  Paul’s a busy guy, and has scheduled social and life skills activities from Wednesday through Friday, along with church service on the weekend.  Our meeting took place in a lovely little Italian café called Amore.   Lori Bishop, Assistant Life Skills Supervisor joined us. I noticed that Paul was wearing a shirt with a Team BC – Canadian National Bowling Championships logo.

As soon as we walked into the café Paul commented, “I love cooking and I love Italian food.”  I then asked Paul, “What do you like to cook?” He replied, “Grilled cheese sandwiches and soup.”  This is how I discovered that Paul learned to cook in the life skills program, and that he enjoys cooking for friends.  For several years he has been a regular member of the Wednesday night Supper Club. 

Before we got down to the formal interview, we each placed our orders and took care of a little bit of administrative work.  Lori reviewed a MAPCL consent form with Paul, and ensured that he was comfortable proceeding to share his personal information, such as his name and photograph for this e-newsletter.  When Paul was signing the form, he also directed us to include Junior after his last name, and shared that he is named after his father.  Next, we tackled the “photo shoot,” which was a lot of fun, and which warmed us up for the interview!

Over the course of an hour or so, we talked about the programs that Paul participates in, the staff he admires and his many friends and acquaintances.  I learned that MAPCL has provided a structure and support system that has helped Paul develop the confidence and skills to dream big and to achieve his goals.  Programs such as Frontiers, Alternatives, Supper and Social Clubs have all provided opportunities to participate in music, art, culture and social programs while developing essential life skills.  The “work” of skill building is fun because it incorporates Paul’s personal interests and takes place in a variety of community settings.  Combined, these experiences are helping Paul prepare for living more independently in a residence with friends or with his future life partner.

I noticed that we often digressed from chatting about Paul’s various program activities and friends in favour of talking about sports, and in particular, “Special O.”  Since the early 1990s, Paul has been on swimming, track and field and bowling teams for the Special Olympics.  In 1995, Paul won a swimming competition, and he displays his trophy proudly at home.  These experiences have taken Paul across BC to Cranbrook and Prince George, and even to Newfoundland for a national competition.  

Of all the sports that he has tried, Paul’s favourite one is bowling.  Along with his three team mates, the Vancouver Special Olympics Bowling Team can be seen in action every Friday night at the Ridge all decked out in their distinctive green jackets and red pants. The competition in July is a critical one, and will set the stage for a series of Paul’s other dreams to potentially come true.  If Team Vancouver wins, Paul will be able to make a speech at the awards banquet and to compete nationally. 

Along with his Special O coaches, supporters and family, Paul has a rich relationship with his Pastors.  Every Thursday, Paul volunteers his time and talents to feeding the homeless in his neighbourhood church.  Paul also shared that he has recently taken the sacrament of Baptism.

As the interview drew to a close, I asked Paul for any tips that he could share with me as a new MAPCL employee.  He simply said, “be nice.”  Shortly thereafter, Paul reached out and placed his hand on mine.  Thank you Paul, it’s a good tip, and I will try to always remember to work with my heart and my mind.  I was honoured to be welcomed into Paul’s social circle and look forward to tea or a dinner party at his home soon!    

Paul currently lives at home with his family and is learning to become more independent so that he can achieve his dream of living with friends or his future life partner.  

Written by: Monique Nelson, Family Resource Coordinator