Jo-Anne Doiron accepts the Special Olympics Nova Scotia coach of the year award from Lee Myers, Home Hardware, at the organizations gathering recently in Halifax. Doiron has coached track and field with Eastern Highlands Special Olympics for the past 12 years. (Dean Casavechia photo)

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Jo-Anne Doiron was recognized Jan. 25 by Special Olympics Nova Scotia as the coach of the year for the organization.
“I was quite surprised when it was announced,” Doiron commented.
“It was a beautiful evening at the Cunard Centre – it was quite an event.”
Doiron became involved with Special Olympics 12 years ago, volunteering in the sport of track and field.
“I had talked with Margie Grace about the athletes and I purposely went by the Oland Centre one day on my run and they were training on the track,” Doiron recalled.
“I mentioned to Marilyn McLellan that I would be interested in helping out and I was on the track that day before my run was over.”
Doiron has been involved since, noting she receives much more from the athletes than she puts in.
“These athletes are amazing,” the Antigonish resident said.
“They’re so coachable and easy to get along with. They work extremely hard and truly enjoy what they are doing.”
Doiron said the season starts in April, weather and track conditions permitting, with the season ending in July with the provincial games.
The coach has attended the Nova Scotia championships each year, while also participating in two national championships.
“I was fortunate to coach in Brandon, Manitoba in 2006 and in London, Ontario in 2010,” Doiron said.
“It was quite amazing to be at nationals with the athletes. They put a lot of work in and they just shine. It’s great when they get medals, but they compete at their best and it’s really something to see.”
Doiron said the satisfaction of working with the athletes is enjoyable and rewarding.
“I look forward to the season starting – I can’t wait for April,” Doiron said.
“I’m sure the athletes feel the same way. When I see them out and about they’re always asking when we’re going to start track.”
Doiron said she has no plans of retiring from the association any time soon.
“I love coaching,” she commented.
“I’m still doing some running on my own but I really enjoy working with the athletes. It would be great if more people would become involved in this. It’s such a rewarding experience.”
Joan Conrad, Eastern Highlands regional coordinator, said Doiron is a natural coach and has proven to be a great mentor to the athletes. 
“They see that she is an athlete herself and they want to be like her,” Conrad commented. 
“She is a hard worker and a committed coach. Jo-Anne is enthusiastic and energetic and inspires our athletes to be the best that they can be.  She enjoys working with all athletes, whether it is someone she is training to go to national games or someone who is just starting to run.”
Conrad said Doiron works well with athletes, coaches and volunteers as part of the team and is willing to take on any challenge, whether it is teaching an athlete to run through the finish line, taking athletes shopping to find appropriate training gear, or chaperoning during trips.
“Jo-Anne is the head track coach for our regional games and she actively seeks to improve her coaching skills by taking courses from the National Coaching program and Special Olympics,” Conrad commented.
Conrad noted that each year Special Olympics Nova Scotia honours athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials for their contributions to the organization.  Each of the 15 region can nominate one person in each category. 
“I nominated Jo-Anne because she goes above and beyond the usual,” Conrad commented. 
“Jo-Anne is well known around the province as being a top rate Special Olympics track coach and she is the first coach from Eastern Highlands to receive this award.”