Meet SO Team BC Coach Penny Jane Peters

By Cohan Sassaman, BCIT intern

When Penny-Jane Peters first moved to Victoria, she didn’t know anyone. Looking for a way to meet people, she joined Special Olympics BC – Victoria’s year-round programs as a coach, a decision that would shape not only her social circle, but her outlook on life.

Now, she’s headed to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat this summer, preparing to represent British Columbia alongside her 10-pin bowling team.

For Peters, the opportunity is about more than competition.

As she heads into National Games, her focus is on growth, saying her goal is “to learn to be a better coach and overall human being."

Some of her most meaningful moments have come away from the podium. She recalls one awards ceremony where her athletes didn’t win medals, but chose to celebrate anyway, organizing their own ceremony at dinner to recognize each other’s effort and commitment.

That experience reflects what National Games represent to her: “Proving to our country how brave and strong Special Olympics athletes are.”

Peters is also looking forward to seeing her team rise to the challenge and change perceptions around ability. She’s excited to see Special Olympics Team BC “push themselves and show everyone that having intellectual and developmental disabilities doesn't mean you can't compete and be an amazing athlete.”

For those considering getting involved, Peters points to the impact the athletes have had on her own life. Spending time in the program, she says, “will always fill your bucket and remind you of what's most important in life.”