Special Olympics BC
Our partnership with Special Olympics BC helps provide year-round, high-quality sports programs and competitions for more than 5,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province.
Visit the Special Olympics website here
Prospera Credit Union’s generous support has made a huge difference for Special Olympics BC athletes in 2020. Many people with intellectual disabilities have felt the pain of exclusion long before the pandemic, and many of them lost their main source of social connections when SOBC programs had to pause. Prospera’s support has helped us ensure that athletes continue to feel connected, and has allowed us to develop resources so athletes can maintain their training and health at home. Funding from Prospera is also helping us safely restart our life-changing sport, health, and youth programs that are so important to more than 5,200 athletes in communities across the province
Athlete of the Month - October
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved in 2001 when I was invited by Denis Goosen, the Local Coordinator of Special Olympics BC at the time.
What Special Olympics sports do you participate in?
Soccer, floor hockey, softball, basketball, and Club Fit
In 2 – 4 sentences, please describe your favourite Special Olympics experience so far.
Most of my favourite Special Olympics experiences are in soccer. I had the opportunity to participate in three Special Olympics World Games! Two times were with the Surrey Special Olympics Soccer Team, the other was with Mission Special Olympics Soccer Team.
In 2 – 4 sentences, what would you tell someone about Special Olympics to encourage them to get involved?
I would say to try it out and join! You get a lot out of it – you make friends, compete, get healthy, and most of all you have fun!
In 3 – 4 sentences, please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I am also a Self Advocate in Mission, BC. I run the website selfadvocatenet.com. I have Aspergers, I am a good leader in sports, and a leader in advocating for people with disabilities.
What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
Good
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The organization provides a variety of sports and youth programs, giving athletes the chance to gain sport skills and improve their health while enjoying training that could take them to competitions at local, regional, national and international levels. But the benefits from Special Olympics BC programs go well beyond the basics: athletes experience joy and acceptance, cultivate friendships and self-confidence, and feel empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
As well, a network of thousands of coaches and fans share a unique experience and sense of community in supporting, cheering on and learning from the athletes they work with.