Community celebrates retirement and birthday with special event
By Remko van Rhijn
After 46 years of competition and more than 137 medals to her name, Woodstock’s own Patty Connors is retiring from the Special Olympics.
Connors, one of Canada’s most decorated Special Olympians, announced her decision during a celebration of her 60th birthday at the AYR Motor Centre on Saturday, Sept. 13.
A community celebration
The event was organized by Connors’ lifelong best friend, Mary Whiteway, who has stood by her side since their teenage years. A packed room of friends, fellow athletes, and community leaders gathered to celebrate both her milestone birthday and her retirement from competitive sports.
Among the guests were Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones, former New Brunswick premier David Alward, and Debbi Graham, regional coordinator for Special Olympics Western Valley.
Mayor Jones presented Connors with a Certificate of Special Recognition from the Town of Woodstock, calling her an inspiration for many and noting that her “legacy in sports will continue to inspire future generations.”
Alward praised Connors as “an incredible example of what dedication, commitment and passion means,” and highlighted her role as an ambassador not only for Special Olympics but also for Woodstock and the province of New Brunswick.
A decorated career
Connors’ athletic journey spans nearly five decades, covering multiple disciplines including track and field, shot put, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and bowling. She has represented Canada and New Brunswick on the world stage in places as far as Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, and Berlin, always carrying her hometown pride with her.
Her achievements include being named Special Olympics Canada Female Athlete of the Year in 1999, receiving the Dr. Frank Hayden Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and becoming the first Special Olympian inducted into the Woodstock Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Regional coordinator for Special Olympics Western Valley, Debbi Graham, described Connors as “a true icon” whose success never made her lose sight of home.
“She’s got such a zest for life and deep love for her community. No matter where she goes, she always proudly declares that she is from Woodstock,” Graham said. “She’s one of the most decorated Special Olympians in Canada, with 137 medals and awards. And yet her secret is simple: she just loves doing it.”
Still on the track
Though she is retiring from national and international competition, Connors plans to remain active in the Special Olympics community, mentoring younger athletes and continuing to train locally. Graham noted that Patty is already a natural guide.
“She may not be competing anymore, but she’ll still participate. She wants to help other athletes,” said Graham.
Connors herself summed up the secret to her success in a few words.
“Listen to your coach, focus on the task at hand, stay in your lane, and don’t stop until you reach the finish line,” explained Connors.
It’s advice she has held dear for nearly 50 years, and will now pass on to new generations of athletes in Woodstock and beyond.
Kelly Atherton at GraphXperts created visuals as a gift to Patty. “When I read through all her accomplishments, it touched my heart and I wanted to do what I could to help,” Atherton said. (GraphXperts image)
