Meet Athlete Sebastian Gylander
Golden’s Sebastian Gylander is a Special Olympics World Games medallist in cross country skiing, and a Special Olympics Team BC 2026 athlete in swimming. He’s also a dedicated employee at IGA in Golden, where he has worked as a shelf stocker for the past two and a half years.
At work, Gylander stocks shelves, helps unload trucks, and enjoys connecting with the people around him.
“What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with and the customers,” he said.
Gylander says the support he receives from his work team has made a meaningful impact on his experience as both an employee and Special Olympics athlete.
“My manager and staff are so supportive. They give me any time off that I require for my races and they celebrate my successes.”
As part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026, he will compete at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta this summer. Looking back on his journey so far, Gylander says Special Olympics has transformed his life in countless ways.
“Special Olympics has grown my world. I have met many people and experienced things that I never would have.”
For Gylander, inclusion in the workplace means belonging.
“Inclusion at work is being treated like everyone else. It is about having a place to belong.”
From June 11 to 21, Gylander and his Empire Family of Brands colleagues will champion their annual nationwide fundraising campaign for Special Olympics Canada. Champions of inclusion can support Special Olympics in participating B.C. Empire stores including Safeway, Thrifty Foods, and West IGA.
Shoppers across the country can say “YES” to making a donation to Special Olympics while shopping for their groceries, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going toward vital sport, health, and youth programs.
Gylander first got involved with Special Olympics when he was eight years old.
“It has built my confidence and given me opportunities to travel and meet new athletes and coaches.”
One of his proudest accomplishments came last year, when he competed in cross-country skiing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
“My greatest accomplishment is winning gold medals at the World Games in Turin, Italy. March 2025 was the first time I had ever flown overseas.”
The Empire Family of Brands and Special Olympics Canada fundraising campaign theme, “Every best is personal,” resonates strongly with Gylander.
“It means it is about the best you can do!”
When reflecting on his own personal best, Gylander points to his educational journey.
“Graduating high school but then going to my local college,” he says. “I had to try and that was my personal best because I did it!!”
Support from Empire Family of Brands and its customers helps Special Olympics athletes across Canada access opportunities in sport, health, and community.
Gylander believes inclusion in sports and community is critical for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We can be isolated and bullied by people not understanding us. Opportunities are not always open to us to participate.”
When asked what he would say to someone considering Special Olympics, his answer was simple and enthusiastic.
“I would say, do it. Get involved. You will find your happy place where you are accepted by all your peers.”