Catriona Le May Doan wowed a packed house at the Yukon Convention Centre Saturday night with her inspirational speech for Special Olympic athletes in the territory.

The former Olympic speedskating gold medallist was in Whitehorse for the 2013 Special Olympics Festival.

"She was amazing,” said Serge Michaud, executive director of Special Olympics Yukon.

"She hit it out of the park. She has clearly catapulted herself as a true spokesperson for sports for all abilities. I'm proud to have met her and to have her as a supporter of our program.”

The festival raised approximately $45,000 in funding for Special Olympics Yukon, Michaud said.

A silent auction and the price of admission were the main contributors to the cause, as locals crowded in to hear from special guests Le May Doan, Paralympic swimming champ Stephanie Dixon, star athletes Rachel Pettitt and Josh Harlow and a variety of local Special Olympians.

"It was a good year, definitely,” said Michaud. "I almost sound like a broken record, but every dollar we get, we feel very fortunate. Every year, I'm amazed by the support of the community, and I would like to thank the Yukon for their generous support.”

Le May Doan described the event as "wonderful” on her Twitter account, adding it was great to catch up with fellow former Yukon Olympian Jeane Lassen and "others so passionate about sport.”

Michaud explained that Le May Doan hit it off with local Special Olympic figure skater Michael Sumner at the World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea in early February.

Le May Doan was serving as an honorary coach with Team Canada at the event. The gold medal winner from the 1998 and 2002 Olympics was in the crowd for Sumner's silver medal skate, seated with Sumner's roommate at the competition – Marc Theriault.

The night before Sumner's medal-winning skate, Theriault – a figure skater himself – told Sumner to dream about performing a perfect routine, and then watched the 16-year-old go out the following day and do just that.

The story left an impression on Le May Doan, and she spoke about it on Saturday.

The local organization also received accolades from the territorial government this week.

In the legislature Monday afternoon, deputy premier Elaine Taylor lauded Special Olympics Yukon for their efforts to build self-confidence and self-esteem in local athletes with an intellectual disability.

Taylor said Le May Doan touched on the Special Olympics athletes' oath – Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

"These are words that ought to resonate with each and every one of us,” she said.

Taylor also acknowledged the work of Michaud and Special Olympics president Jim Tucker, who is stepping down from his position after 14 years of service.

"The work of Mr. Tucker has certainly made a difference in the lives of many Yukoners,” Taylor said, adding that

through the collective efforts of volunteers like Tucker, the program has risen to new heights.

Special Olympics Yukon consists of more than 90 athletes, and many volunteer coaches who help them achieve their goals.