Special Olympics BC athletes and programs advancing inclusion and social progress
In recognition of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Special Olympics British Columbia proudly joins the global community in celebrating the achievements and leadership of people with disabilities. Heartfelt thanks to Special Olympics BC’s Athlete Reporters for introducing several inspiring fellow athletes who are pursuing their passions and potential in year-round Special Olympics sport and health programs across the province!
This year’s IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” reflects Special Olympics BC’s mission to harness the power of sport to enrich the lives of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and build inclusive communities where every person is valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Heartfelt thanks to Special Olympics BC’s Athlete Reporters for introducing several inspiring fellow athletes who are pursuing their passions and potential in year-round Special Olympics sport and health programs across the province!
Athlete Reporter Torben Schuffert, SOBC – Smithers
I have interviewed two of our amazing athletes to show some of the amazing things that are happening in our programs in Smithers.
Ann Forbes is a longtime Special Olympics athlete and is enjoying snowshoeing and she is looking forward to basketball. She said, "I think someone new should try Special Olympics because you get to make friends, build a team, have fun, and be healthy!”
Jacob Olson has been with Special Olympics for a couple of years. He is a quiet and happy person; this helps make practices even more fun.
Jacob is currently in Club Fit and swimming. He is also looking forward to bocce and track and field in the spring.
Jacob said, "My favourite achievement is losing 30 pounds since January of this year, and I also achieved my personal-best throw in javelin at our track meet.”
When I asked him what he likes best about Special Olympics, he answered: “The thing I like most about Special Olympics is the amazing athletes and coaches you meet, who quickly become your friends."
He had this important message about inclusion: “Inclusion is important because everyone has something to contribute to this world, no matter who you are.”
I loved his thoughtful response on why you should give Special Olympics a try.
"If you are new, you should 100 per cent try Special Olympics. I was nervous at first, but I’ve met the most amazing people and it has been the best experience of my life!”
I couldn’t agree more. Well said, Jacob!
Athlete Reporter Kerri Lipsack, SOBC – Oceanside
This season I’m doing bowling, curling, Club Fit, and basketball. I’m in my first year of basketball, and so far it’s going well. Bowling is going well, and swimming is going really well.
This season in swimming I achieved a big milestone: I learned how to dive off the blocks. I’ve never done that before, and I was afraid of them. I conquered my fear and now I’m diving off the blocks!
What I like most about Special Olympics is the friends that I’ve met along the way, the interaction with my teammates, and supporting each other – that’s huge for us, we support each other and we’re like one big family.
It’s important to include everyone because people don’t realize that exclusion makes people feel left out, like they don’t belong, and that’s not good. It’s important to include everyone so nobody is left out.
We’ve had some new people join Special Olympics BC – Oceanside, and they’ve fit in really well. They love what they do and the smiles on their faces are always good to see. I hope we get more people to join Special Olympics, because it’s important that we include everyone.
Thank you!
Learn more about Special Olympics BC
Since 1980, Special Olympics BC has channeled the power of sport to change the lives of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and break down barriers and misconceptions by putting their abilities in the spotlight.
Special Olympics BC’s year-round programs instill confidence, improve health, and build inclusion in 55 communities across our province. The Special Olympics BC community includes more than 3,400 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and a wide range of ability levels, participating in quality year-round sport programs in 18 different summer and winter sports as well as youth programs and Inclusive Health programming.
These game-changing opportunities are made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of more than 2,300 volunteers and family members across the province.
Athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be part of Special Olympics BC’s programs and community throughout their whole lives. Today, our youngest athletes are 2 years old, and the eldest is 87!
- Meet Special Olympics BC – Trail athlete Neil Emmery, a longtime athlete in his 70s who enjoys the travel and social experiences he has found in Special Olympics, and his significant achievements in sports.
- And meet Special Olympics BC – Richmond athlete Marcus Tamkee, a 16-year-old rising star who built his skills, confidence, and friendships through Special Olympics youth programs and now sports programs!
Crucially, Special Olympics BC’s life-changing programs are provided at low or no cost for athletes, thanks to our generous sponsors and donors who are committed to building inclusion and empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics will continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that celebrates their uniqueness.