Peterborough's Lisa Butler Named Special Olympics Athlete of the Year

COVID-19 may have stopped the 2022 Special Olympics but not Peterborough’s Lisa Butler as she received Ontario Athlete of the Year honours at a ceremony at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel on Nov. 3.

Butler has not missed recording a workout or art project for 50 consecutive weeks according to Special Olympics Canada. Facebook Photo.

Butler competes in cross-country skiing, five-pin bowling, track and field, basketball and swimming. The 48-year-old qualified for the basketball Provincial Games in basketball and cross-country skiing in the World Games. The latter is something she has looked forward to all her life.

“It means a lot,” said Butler. “It shows that all my hard work has paid off. It is what I have wanted more than anything.”

She has been involved in the Special Olympics since 1998. The 24-year Special Olympics veteran trains roughly six times a week. Butler was named to the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 and is a member of their training squad.

Butler is expected to receive a similar award from Special Olympics Canada at the LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala at Fairmount Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Nov. 18.

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