The Winkler Wizzards are celebrating a milestone this year, with longtime coaches marking four decades of volunteer leadership in Special Olympics Manitoba. For Sharon Dueck and Glen Wieler, what began as a small effort in 1986 has grown into a community of athletes, coaches, and supporters that continues to thrive.
The beginning of the Winkler Wizzards
When it comes to the beginning of the Special Olympics branching out to the Pembina Valley, Sharon Dueck was at the forefront. “I wanted to just do something good for the community and for people with disabilities. I’ve just always had a passion for people who have a disability... So some friends got together and we decided we’d run Special Olympics. And then we just started dragging people along and it just evolved.” Sharon's husband Don Dueck has also been volunteer coaching for 40 years.
Wieler joined two years later. “I’m just a rookie,” he smiled. “It’s been 38 years. And my wife, Anna, has also been coaching for 40 years.”
Together with other volunteers, they launched the Winkler Wizzards program. One that has touched hundreds of lives.
Passion and friendship
For both coaches, the athletes are what keep them coming back.
“Well, you say we’ve changed their lives,” said Wieler. “Our athletes have also changed our lives. It’s just been amazing to watch them progress from Winkler to Team Manitoba to Team Canada and compete around the world.”
Dueck agreed. “Sometimes I am tired and don’t know how I’m going to do this. And I show up at the gym and I get such a charge out of the athletes. They’re so excited to be there and have so much fun. We’ve made so many great friends through the last 40 years.”
The pride extends to seeing athletes compete far beyond the Pembina Valley. Names like Keith Peters, Judy Derksen, Diane Fehr, Patsy Fehr, and Valerie Marshall highlight the long list of local competitors who have represented Manitoba and Canada, internationally.
It takes a village
Dueck recalled one story from the early 90s, when the team was invited to a softball tournament in BC. “We were advised by the head office that, "no, we do not have that in our budget". So we knock on the door and make one phone call to Paul Peters. He says, "no problem, give me a couple of days". Two days later, he says, "okay, I’ve got the money". That is how Manitoba Special Olympics softball started, was with us back in the 90s.”
A new season kicks off
The Winkler Wizzards’ season begins this Monday, September 8th, with softball at the Winkler Ball Diamonds. From there, athletes will move indoors to try a brand-new sport, floorball, a variation of floor hockey. Altona is also forming a team, opening the door to friendly competition.
“From September through June, we rotate through sports,” explained Wieler. “Softball, floorball, basketball, bocce, even some badminton or gym sports. Each block runs six to eight weeks, so there’s always variety.”
The season also includes beloved basketball games against Golden West, Garden Valley Collegiate, and local police officers. Matchups filled with laughter, banter, and community spirit.
The call for coaches
While the athletes bring the energy, the program relies heavily on volunteers.
“Yes, we can definitely use more volunteers,” said Dueck. “Glenn and I have been around a while, and many of our coaches have over 30 years, some over 10. But we’d love to see new faces.”
Wieler added that the time commitment can be small: “If you enjoy basketball, come for our basketball season. If you love hockey, come try floorball. It’s six to eight weeks, one night a week, and that’s it.”
The impact of coaching goes far beyond sports. “Anywhere you go, athletes will point and say, ‘That’s my coach,’” said Wieler. “Our athletes love us as much as we love them. We’ve built so many friendships over the years.”
Dueck added, “You can go to the gym on a Monday night tired, and you come back recharged. You’re giving, for sure, but you’re getting a whole lot more.”
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How to get involved
Those interested can reach out through the Winkler Wizzards Facebook page.
“With two Z’s, because we whiz along,” joked Dueck. Or simply show up at the Winkler Ball Diamonds on September 8th at 6:30 p.m. The group moves into the Winkler Elementary School gym starting September 29th.