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 - August
What is your name?
Alexander Pang.
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got into Special Olympics when I was nine years old. I started at the Sunset Can-Skate program for Special Olympics.
What Special Olympics sports do you participate in?
I participate in Figure Skating, Basketball, and Softball.
In 2-4 sentences, describe your favourite Special Olympics experience so far.
My favorite Special Olympics experience is being able to experience sports at a competition level, and to have the honor to represent Team Canada internationally: South Korea, Los Angeles, and Austria. Special Olympics has given me opportunities to provide me with training, learning, and the confidence to help me succeed.
In 2 - 4 sentences, what would you tell someone about Special Olympics to encourage them to get involved?
Special Olympics is an organization that accepts individuals with an intellectual disability. The greatest benefit is there are coaches and volunteers who are willing to give up their time to support and assist each individual to go beyond their abilities to achieve self accomplishment. People accept you for who you are, and they believe that all things are possible. Great way to socialize and make forever friendships.
In 3 - 4 sentences, please tell us a little bit more about yourself. What else would you like people to know about you?
Growing up was a challenge, from communication, struggling to fit into the world, as a kid with low muscle tone, and no sense of balance. With years of therapy and starting the Learn to Skate Special Olympics program, it transformed me into an athlete that turned the impossible to the possible. My motto is to always believe in yourself, with hard work, "you can do it".
What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
Chill.
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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.