Rosie Laidler receives Special Olympics Ontario Lifetime Achievement award

Rosie Laidler of Kincardine is thrilled to receive the 2021 Athlete Lifetime Achievement award from Special Olympics Ontario.

Over the past 26 years, the 37-year-old athlete has competed in figure skating, as well as track and field, five-pin bowling, snowshoeing, curling and softball.

“I remember my first figure skating competition,” says Laidler. “It was in Thornton, Ontario. I was 11 years old and I won a third-place ribbon.”

Her first national competition was in figure skating at the 2000 Winter Games in Ottawa.

“I won gold medals in freeskate and dance,” she says. “My first worlds was in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2001, and I won gold in dance and silver in freeskate.”
 

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Rosie Laidler strikes a pose as she prepares to compete in figure skating at the Special Olympics nationals in Corner Brook, Newfoundland - 2016
 

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When asked how many medals she has won over the years, Laidler laughs, and says, “Too many to count!”

So, how does it feel to receive the Lifetime Achievement award?

“It feels really good,” says Laidler, adding a special thanks to the many great coaches who have worked with her over the years. “I would not have achieved so much without them!”



Rosie Laidler with the Canadian flag during the Kincardine Skating Club Skate Spectacular in 2017

Her coaches are also excited at the news that Laidler has received the Lifetime Achievement award.

“During her career as an athlete, her dedication, tenacity and hard work have led her to participate in 12 Provincial Games, seven National Games, and she is currently in training for her third appearance in the figure skating competition at the World Games in Kazan, Russia, Jan. 22-28," they said, via E-mail.

“A natural-born leader, she is an inspiration to other athletes in our area, as well as a voice of experience and knowledge to our newer coaches experiencing games at any level for their first time.

"Competitions have taken Rosie from coast-to-coast, all over Ontario, and given her the opportunity to travel the world!

“Congratulations on your amazing achievements, and best of luck at the upcoming games!”

After competing at the worlds in January, Laidler plans to retire from competitive skating, but will continue with track and field and other sports.

She works at Gordon Pharmasave in downtown Kincardine.