MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Warriors Hockey Club celebrated March’s Special Olympian of the Month, Denise Kutcher, during an opening ceremony at the Moose Jaw Warriors’ home game against the Brandon Wheat Kings on March 15.
Kutcher, a dedicated athlete with Special Olympics Moose Jaw, was honoured at centre ice before the start of the game. As part of the ceremony, she had the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial puck drop — an experience she described as the highlight of the evening.
“My favourite part of the ceremony was dropping the puck and watching the players scramble to hit it first,” Kutcher said.
The Moose Jaw Warriors’ Special Olympian of the Month program, presented in partnership with WINMAR Property Restoration Specialists, has been a staple of the team’s community engagement efforts since 2015. Launched by former Warriors’ captain Brett Howden, the initiative highlights the achievements of local Special Olympians while strengthening the connection between the team and the community.
During the regular hockey season, one Special Olympian is selected and honoured at a Warriors home game each month. In addition to being recognized at centre ice, honourees receive a personalized jersey and are invited to participate in a ceremonial faceoff.
For Kutcher, being named Special Olympian of the Month was an unforgettable experience.
“Being picked as a Special Olympics Athlete of the Month was an awesome experience,” she said.
Kutcher has been involved with Special Olympics Moose Jaw for 13 years, competing in various sports and making lasting memories along her journey. One of her proudest moments came at the provincial Winter Games in Regina.
“My favourite memory with Special Olympics was when I competed in the provincial Winter Games in Regina as part of the Moose Jaw bowling team,” she recalled. “I won a gold medal.”
Beyond these memorable experiences, the Special Olympics program has provided Kutcher with meaningful opportunities to connect with her community and enjoy the sports she loves.
“Special Olympics has allowed me to be involved in my community and to have fun,” she said.
Kutcher’s passion for sports continues to drive her forward. She encourages other athletes who want to get involved with the program to take the leap and enjoy the experience as she has.
Her concluding message was a call for anyone uncertain about joining the Special Olympics program “To get involved and to have fun.”
Kutcher now joins a growing list of athletes who have been recognized and celebrated through the program, reinforcing the message that hard work, dedication, and a love for sport can lead to great achievements.
To learn more about Special Olympics Moose Jaw, call 306-780-9247 or visit SpecialOlympics.ca.
