Olympic Spirit at Prince George Chateau Senior Living

Meet the swimming champion whose smile brightens our retirement community.

June 18, 2025

2 min read

Quote on green background: "They always tell me they love my big smile." Below is a photo of Ashwini, a server, smiling in a red uniform.

When you walk into Prince George Chateau, you can feel the energy right away. It’s not just the friendly faces or the cozy spaces – it’s the people who bring it to life. Like Ashwini Cumbamngalam, a server who just got back from competing in the British Columbia Special Olympics.


“I used to be scared to put my foot in the water,” Ashwini says with a smile. Now she’s winning medals and still bringing that same determination and joy to every meal she serves.



It’s the people who make it feel like home

At Atria, life isn’t just about a nice apartment or good food (though we’ve got those too). It’s about the people you meet and the relationships you build.


Ashwini isn’t just part of the waitstaff – she’s someone residents look forward to seeing every day. “They always tell me they love my big smile,” she says. And it goes both ways. Over the past three years, Ashwini has built real friendships with residents that brighten everyone’s day.




Lessons from the pool – and everyday life

Ashwini’s journey is inspiring. From being afraid of water to diving into competitions, she’s shown that you’re never too old – or too quiet – to try something new. “Slow and steady wins the race,” she says.




That’s something we see all the time here: people surprising themselves. Whether it’s learning a new hobby or finding the courage to make a change, Prince George Chateau is a place where you can keep growing and enjoying life.



A place that cheers you on

When Ashwini’s swim team placed in multiple events, her whole team at Prince George Chateau was cheering for her. “Everyone was excited for me,” she says. That kind of support isn’t just for special events – it’s built into how we treat each other every day.


Whether you’re joining in an activity, sitting down for a meal or just chatting with a neighbour, this is a place where people lift each other up.



A new chapter worth getting excited about

Ashwini says swimming and being part of a team helped her come out of her shell. “I’m a quiet person,” she says, “but now I feel more confident.”


That’s what moving into a community like Prince George Chateau is really about: new opportunities, new friends and discovering parts of yourself you might not have expected. Whether you’re an extrovert or more reserved, this is a place where you can be yourself – and maybe even surprise yourself.


Discover the vibrant community at Prince George Chateau or another Atria location nearby today.