Jan Aitken

Jan takes care of the seven clubs and numerous schools in the Lower South Island region. Her role involves making sure that there are enough volunteers and coaches to support all the athletes and ensuring that clubs, athletes and their families stay well informed about Special Olympics happenings.

Jan also carries out training in schools and encourages young athletes to make the transition from school-based programmes to clubs so that they can continue with their chosen sports after leaving school.

Jan spends much of her time travelling throughout the large region she looks after but manages to squeeze in some coaching for the Otago athletics and football clubs.

Jan is learning to ski this winter with the help of a local club and has recently joined a Unified futsal team.

Before she came to Special Olympics New Zealand, Jan spent many years in real estate and also worked in event management. She, her husband and their three teenagers enjoy weekend trips to their holiday home during the summer months.

Click here for more information about Special Olympics in Jan's region.