Local Special Olympian honoured by her workplace

Yanhong Dewan was recognized for her efforts in rhythmic gymnastics at the Canadian Special Olympics national summer games in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Dewan returned to her job at Sobeys in Amherstburg and her co-workers honoured her for her five medals that she earned.

Yanhong Dewan excelled at the Canadian Special Olympics national summer games and her co-workers took notice.

The 31-year-old rhythmic gymnast won gold medals in rope and ball and a silver in hoop. She also won two bronze medals while in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

When she returned to her job at the Sobeys grocery store in Amherstburg last Wednesday morning, she was greeted with cheers from her co-workers and a cake in her honour.

The national games were Aug. 11-15.

“We had a practice Tuesday (Aug. 11) and we competed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,” said Dewan. “I came back on Sunday (Aug. 16).”

Winning five medals at the Canadian Special Olympics national games was definitely a highlight for Dewan.

“I feel awesome,” she said, after being congratulated by her Sobeys co-workers. 

Dewan brought her medals with her to work Aug. 19 to show her co-workers at the store.

Dewan added she knew she was doing well during the competition and was happy with the final results.

“I was confident,” said Dewan. “It was amazing.”

With the five national medals around her neck, Dewan said she is eyeing the Special Olympics world games in Chile. 

“I’ll know in October,” she said, on whether she is going.

The recent trip to Medicine Hat was not her first national Special Olympics, as she competed in the winter games several years ago in Thunder Bay in the showshoeing event.

Noting she has been competing since she was 18-years-old, Dewan trains Tuesdays and Thursdays during the season, though she is on a break for the time being with the plan to resume in September. Her training intensified as the national summer games approached.

“I love it a lot,” she said of competing. “It’s fun. I meet new friends.”

Local Special Olympian honoured by her workplace

By Ron Giofu