Chris Lee has benefitted from the Special Olympics program.

He’s travelled, he’s won medals.

It’s given him the opportunity to remain active and healthy, Lee told a small gathering in front of Staples where the annual Give a Toonie, Share a Dream campaign was launched Wednesday afternoon.

“In February 2012 my curling teammates and I brought back a gold medal from the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games,” Lee pointed out.

“In summer 2014, 10 of us Yukoners went on to win gold in soccer at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

“These are two of the biggest things that have happened in my life and I am very proud of me and my teammates’ accomplishments.”

On hand for the kickoff was Thomas Gibbs, president of Special Olympics Yukon, Chris Nagy, general manager of the local Staples store and Mary Sagat, vice-president of sales and operations for Staples Canada.

Sagat said the franchise has been supporting the Special Olympics for nearly 25 years, and she’s proud of it.

It creates a sense of community spirit to see the athletes train and compete, she said.

“We are committed to support the Special Olympic program,” Sagat said.

The franchise vice-president was joined by Lee for the ribbon cutting to mark the beginning of the fundraising campaign.

The in-store campaign runs through to May 29.

The local Special Olympics president pointed out in the 12 years the local store has been in the Whitehorse, Give a Toonie has raised over $50,000.

“The campaign is amazing and we just appreciate it,” said Gibbs.

“Participating in Special Olympics not only gives me the chance to go to faraway places and compete against teams and athletes from across the country but it also gives me the chance to hang out with friends,” Lee told the gathering. “Special Olympics programs help me stay active and healthy too!

“Thanks to Special Olympics I have the confidence to play the sports I love.”

The 28-year-old Lee said he’s been involved with the program for more than 15 years, and is currently training and competing in curling and bowling.

Special Olympics Yukon provides opportunities to train and compete to over 90 Yukoners of all ages and varying abilities. There are 75 certified coaches involved currently.

Lee noted he and a couple of other athletes are employed by the local store.

“I think it’s pretty awesome to work for a company that supports Special Olympics,” he said. “Even though I am a pretty busy guy with work and Special Olympics programs, I still find time to read, listen to some great music and spend time with friends at Titan Gaming.

“In closing, I would like to recite our athletes oath: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Ending on a somewhat humourous note, Lee encouraged the gathering to enjoy the day and “be sure to check out our weekly store specials.”

“I didn’t write the speech,” the store manager quickly quipped.