Award Winning Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Nerissa Pooran on her commitment to sports and advocacy
/
Young Women in Business Toronto (YWiB) aims to provide our diverse community of young, self-identified women with genuine career advice, encouragement, and examples of local role models. That's why we’re continuing our Role Model series in 2021. Join us in highlighting career professionals, entrepreneurs, and other remarkable women that our community can be inspired by and learn from.
Nerissa Pooran, Special Olympics Ontario Athlete
Interview Responses compiled by Nerissa Pooran and her mother, Zita Pooran
Tell us more about your story and journey with the Special Olympics!
Nerissa has been a member of Special Olympics Ontario for more than 30 years. She began at a very young age, mainly to improve and promote a healthy lifestyle through sports. She started in track and field, swimming, cross country skiing and bowling. Nerissa also learned to skate and participated in gymnastics through generic programs.
When Nerissa began her sport training at the young age of eight, she had to work extremely hard on her coordination, endurance and technique. However, she persevered, always positive, focused, dedicated and determined to achieve. She accepted every challenge with positivity and was diligent in her weekly training routines that included personal fitness training, swimming and track and field.
Learning new skills could take months or years to accomplish. However, she has always been willing to challenge herself, her tireless drive and long hours training intensely, to improve and excel never deterred her toward her goals to improve and excel; to compete to the best of her ability and achieve continued success in her sports.
For the past several years she has focused on track and field and swimming. She has competed at the regional and provincial levels, at the National level in both swimming and track and field and represented her swim team at international competitions, in Bogota, Colombia.
Nerissa has received numerous medals and recognitions for her competitive achievements.
Her swim team trains at Variety Village, a sports facility in Toronto. Nerissa has received several awards at the centre, for her aquatic training and achievements, including Junior Athlete of the Year and Top Athlete of the Year. She was inducted to their Wall of Fame in June, 2018.
In 2016, Nerissa was inducted into the Toronto Sport Hall of Honour – the first Special Olympics athlete to receive this award. Other achievements included - Special Olympics Ontario Female Athlete of the Year in 2010 and the Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Lifetime Achievement award for 2020.
Nerissa has competed regionally, provincially, and nationally! Any tips for preparing yourself right before a meet or competition?
Preparing for competitions involves not only the physical training to compete, but also being aware that a healthy diet/lifestyle is important.
On the day before competition, Nerissa stays away from intense work-outs or training. She organizes everything required for the meet and would spend a quiet day in preparation.
Nerissa also prepares by eating quality meals that assist with stamina, energy and endurance necessary to compete and goes to bed early to ensure adequate sleep and rest-as competitions usually involve early mornings and very long days.
Read more from a YWiB Role Model on nutrition: Keren Chen on standing out and staying healthy
Nerissa has said in other interviews that the Special Olympics has helped her make friends and meet interesting people. What are some other benefits you’ve both enjoyed over the years?
Being involved with the Special Olympics has provided many enjoyable and positive experiences. Nerissa is an enthusiastic volunteer and representative for Special Olympics, always willing to attend special presentations and various community and media events to promote inclusive opportunities and participation.
Nerissa was proud to represent “Team Ontario” at the Be a Fan Day at Queens Park, Toronto in 2010.
Special Olympics has also provided Nerissa with opportunities to be involved with various fundraising events, including Torch Run Toronto, (The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics); Foot Locker Golf fundraiser Tournaments, Staples Campaigns and Motionball – Marathon of Sport. Motionball is a national non-profit organization that empowers young Canadians to be leaders in their communities, raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics through integrated social and sporting events. Nerissa participates and represents Special Olympics at their annual Marathon of Sport fundraisers, gala events and their #NoGoodWay to use the R-word campaign.
Nerissa was also delighted to participate in Special Olympics Canada’s “No Special Treatment” campaign (2015), which brought awareness that athletes of all abilities are equally dedicated in their training and commitment as any other athletes.
Besides being dedicated to training and competing in her sports and competitions, Nerissa also has many opportunities to promote the inclusion of individuals of all exceptionalities. She has made a significant and impactful contribution to the community.
In 2016, Nerissa had the opportunity to be coached in swimming, by Canadian Olympic athletes at the Toronto PanAm Centre. Even though training was intense, she was determined to continue to improve and perform to the best of her ability. That was an incredible experience!
Nerissa’s entire family is involved with Special Olympics and has supported her in all aspects of her sporting career. She assisted and participated for two years at a Track and Field Memorial Meet, held to honour her sister, Natalie, who was also a Special Olympics athlete.
During the pandemic, Nerissa has been training virtually. I’m sure at times it may be hard to keep motivation-especially away from teammates. As the pandemic continues, do you have any advice for sticking to training and routines while staying at home?
These past months have been a very different lifestyle. Nerissa presently accesses virtual training throughout the week, to continue to maintain physical fitness, technical skills and endurance. Motionball has also recently hosted social group meetings, dance parties and workout events, which she enjoys immensely.
She is very disciplined with her routines and thrives on implementing and structuring a consistent schedule. In addition, she would also train outdoors whenever possible and continues to adapt to the ever-changing regulations and recommendations.
To stay motivated, Nerissa has a variety of activities, in addition to her athletic and personal training. Including academic, life-skills and social group opportunities, to help her to stay motivated and enjoy daily life. She remains focused and confident, as she continues to work out online, in order to achieve the best in her sports.
Read more from a YWiB Role Model on Fitness: Exploring Emotional Eating, Fitness, and the Power of Why with Nabat Sherif
In October 2020, Nerissa was awarded the Dr. Frank Hayden Athlete lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented to someone who “best exemplifies the spirit and philosophy of the Special Olympics movement over the course of their career”, and is a role model to other athletes. Congratulations! Nerissa, what does it mean to you to be a role model?
Nerissa began her acceptance speech with – “Thank you to Special Olympics Canada and to Dr. Frank Hayden for this award. It was an honour to receive it.” She was so surprised when she received this nomination, yet extremely pleased to receive the recognition.
Nerissa was very shy at the idea of being a role model and received this acknowledgement with her usual smile.
She has been the ultimate team leader, has always respected and supported not only her teammates, but also her competitors, encouraging everyone with warmth and kindness and enjoys lifting the spirits of those around her. Nerissa would always be willing to assist or give a word of encouragement and has displayed kind understanding and consideration for athletes, coaches and officials.
She provides mentorship and support to her team members and has been recognized as a role model for her sportsmanship, positive attitude, energy and enthusiasm.
Nerissa embodies the Special Olympics global movement’s motto to the fullest:
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Nerissa has set an example as a very motivated, focused athlete with tremendous concentration and patience. She has competed with courage, determination, perseverance and joy, always willing to work tirelessly toward achieving excellence in her sports. Her fearless competitive spirit and dedication to her sports, have contributed toward her inspiring other athletes to achieve and be successful. Even though she has been recognized for her athletic success and has received many medals and awards, Nerissa remains very humble and grateful for her accomplishments.
Who has been your role model(s) in your athletic career?
Nerissa admires Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors. She is motivated by his hard work, discipline and dedication to his sport. She really enjoys watching him compete, his energy, fearless competition and giving his best in every game.
What is a personal accomplishment you are really proud of?
It was difficult to recognize one personal accomplishment, because as we’ve shared, Nerissa has celebrated so many achievements!
She was so excited to participate in her first provincial competition and also being selected to compete in both track and field and swimming at National competitions.
Nerissa’s favourite and dearest memories have been participating in Special Olympics programs with her sister, for many years.
Nerissa, how can our community support your athletic journey?
As she continues her career in sports, Nerissa encourages everyone to support, accept, recognize and include individuals of all abilities. We invite you to celebrate the true love for sport and the joy of success with her and fellow athletes.
Attending events, meets/competitions, cheering on Nerissa and her colleagues, will encourage them toward achieving their best in sport. We should all be united in their journey together.
The Special Olympics movement is dependent on volunteers and donors. Therefore, volunteering as coaches or contributing in any other capacity, will continue to ensure the success of all athletes and build awareness of the Special Olympics organization.
Learn more about volunteering with Special Olympics here and donating here!
What excites you about the future?
Nerissa looks forward to returning to training with her teammates and to participate again in all aspects of her sports, whenever safe to do so, after this pandemic. She is excited to continue participating in Special Olympics, setting and accomplishing new goals, embracing the future and enjoying further success!
Nerissa Pooran is a Special Olympics Ontario athlete with over 30 years devoted to sport. She is also an award winning athlete who has competed locally, nationally, and internationally with her late sister, Natalie Pooran. Nerissa Pooran also advocates for inclusion of athletes of all abilities.