‘I’m a superstar’: Saskatoon preteen proudly represents Special Olympics

Lauren Niessen could teach a masterclass on confidence.

The 12-year-old, who has Down syndrome, said she isn’t at all nervous about having her face plastered on posters in grocery stores around the entire province.

“I’m a superstar!” she said in an interview with 650 CKOM.

The bubbly preteen is one of nine kids across Canada selected as this year’s Special Olympics Athlete Ambassadors.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities.

Not to be confused with the Paralympic Games, those enrolled in Special Olympics participate in activities, training, and competitions year-round. The organization also holds its own Special Olympics World Games annually.

Niessen began participating in Special Olympics Saskatchewan programming when she was four years old.

Lauren Niessen has been participating in Special Olympics Saskatchewan programming since she was four. Her mom Erika Doerksen said the organization has helped her stay active and make new friends over the last eight years. (Submitted)

“It’s been a great organization for her to be active and meet new friends,” Niessen’s mom Erika Doerksen said.

Last year, Niessen volunteered to represent Special Olympics by visiting businesses that support the charity and thanking employees.

“You high five other people and you make new friends,” Niessen said, a smile lighting up her face as she recounted her many visits with supporters of the program.

“She loved it. It was the perfect gig for her,” Doerksen laughed.

Lauren Niessen is enjoying her role as a Special Olympics Athlete Ambassador. She said she enjoys getting to high five people and making new friends while representing the organization. (Submitted)

Niessen’s enthusiasm stood out, and when the search for this year’s ambassadors began she was at the top of the list.

“The lady that organizes the visits from Special Olympics asked Lauren if she would want to be the ambassador,” Doerkson said. “She said ‘Yeah! Let’s do it!'”

Niessen modeled in a photo shoot for the campaign, which she said was very fun, but smiling and posing for nearly an hour was very hard work.

Thankfully, all of that effort to capture the perfect photo paid off. People can see her beaming face on bright green posters as they shop at Sobeys, Safeway and IGA stores around Saskatchewan.

Special Olympics Athlete Ambassador Lauren Niessen’s smiling face is on display in grocery stores around the province. (Submitted)

“We are, first of all, so proud of her,” said Doerksen, as Niessen blushed with embarrassment at her mom’s praise.

Doerksen said she believes Special Olympics provides a sense of belonging for people with disabilities, and she is excited to see what Niessen accomplishes next as she continues to explore her interest in sports through the organization.

“She teaches us and impresses us every single day. We are so excited that she has this opportunity,” Doerksen said. “I never thought or imagined that this would happen.”

Niessen said she feels happy and excited to be representing Special Olympics Saskatchewan, and she loves seeing her own smiling face on posters when she and her family go grocery shopping.