Special Olympics BC Athlete Reporters & Friends Highlight Reel: The importance of inclusion
From July 20 to 26, the 2026 Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion turns the spotlight on the importance of unity and the power of sport to build a more inclusive world. Special Olympics BC athlete leaders and friends came together to share the impact and importance of inclusion in our lives.
In this annual July celebration, we inspire change by showing how the world is a more joyful and welcoming place when people with and without intellectual disabilities play, lead, and work together.
Now, more than ever, we invite everyone to join Special Olympics and help us create a more inclusive, respectful world for all through the power and joy of sport!
What do Special Olympics BC athlete leaders feel about inclusion?
Susan Wang & Matthew Williams on the Special Olympics BC Champions Podcast
Important perspectives on inclusion are shared in the brand-new podcast series hosted by Susan Wang, longtime Special Olympics BC – Surrey athlete and current Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger!
In the first episode of the Special Olympics BC Champions Podcast, Susan speaks with Matthew Williams, Special Olympics BC – Langley athlete and member of the SOBC Board of Directors, Athlete Leadership Council, and Leadership Council. Don’t miss their moving and insightful conversation!
Miranda Orth, SOBC – Nanaimo, Athlete Reporter
The annual Special Olympics Global Inclusion Week will happen this year from July 20 to 26. Everyone who joins Special Olympics is always trying to find ways to feel inclusion in daily life and sports!
It feels great when I am included, because I feel good about choosing to participate in things like helping out with Special Olympics fundraising and also choosing to be employed part-time as an assistant bookkeeper.
People opening doors for others is one way to make them feel included because it's about lending a helping hand to each other.
One of the main things I do to help other people feel included is help at fundraising events or social events for Special Olympics. I mention what organization is and about my experience. I'll sometimes help other people by informing them what to look for on computer to find resources like registering to be an athlete or coach/volunteer and learning about the number of sports we have for different seasons!
It’s great when I’m feeling included in Special Olympics, because I get to participate in track practices and help out to go and help at some annual fundraising events to create conversation with people interested in the organization!
Sandra Malku, SOBC – Richmond, Athlete Reporter
Sport brings us together. What do you love about sports?
Seeing my friends at sports.
How does it make you feel when you are included?
It makes me happy.
What are some things people can do to make others feel included?
Go for lunch and coffee.
What are some things that you do to make other people feel included?
Invite others for walking or watching movies.
When you are included in Special Olympics, how does that make you feel?
I feel happy.
How do other sports stars feel about inclusion?
BC Lions offensive lineman Andrew Peirson, Vancouver Rise FC captain Shannon Woeller, and Northern Super League soccer player Samantha Chang shared moving remarks about the impact of inclusion at last year’s Sports Celebrities Festival presented by Wheaton Precious Metals in support of Special Olympics BC.
Now known as the Joy of Sport Gala, this inspiring and elegant evening will bring together B.C. sport and business leaders alongside Special Olympics BC athletes on October 22, 2026. Through the Joy of Sport Gala, we harness the power of sport to open hearts, break down barriers, and create life-changing opportunities for athletes across the province.