Backgrounder

Our History & Purpose

Since 1980, Special Olympics BC, a registered charitable organization, has provided high-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

These sports opportunities provide athletes with far more than the physical benefits of improved health and athletic ability. The participation in sports provides opportunities for athletes to develop social skills, cultivate friendships, strive for and achieve goals, and increase their self-esteem – ultimately enriching lives.

In addition to year-round sports programs, Special Olympics BC offers opportunities to compete at the regional, provincial, national and international level through a four-year competition cycle for summer and winter sports.

Special Olympics ensures that even at World Games, athletes of all ability levels have an opportunity to compete on a level playing field through a “divisioning” process. This means there may be eight or nine gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in a single event such as the athletics 100-metre race. An athlete who runs the 100-metre race in 12 seconds may place first, but so may an athlete who runs it in one minute if s/he is the fastest in their division.

Our Numbers & Programs

• 3,400+ athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 2,200+ volunteer coaches and program leaders throughout B.C.
• 18 summer and winter sports programs
• Youth programs for children and youth with intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 18
• Inclusive Health programs and opportunities
• Athlete Leadership programming
• Special Olympics BC programs operate year-round in 55 communities throughout our province, empowering athletes from more than 154 communities

What We Do

Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and building inclusion through the power and joy of sport.

In 55 communities around the province, we provide high-quality year-round sport, youth, and health programs and empowering competitions to more than 3,400 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and a wide range of ability levels.

Athletes access Special Olympics BC’s life-changing programs and competitions at low or no cost thanks to the dedicated efforts of our 2,200 coaching and organizing volunteers, and the generous support of our sponsors and donors.

Special Olympics BC creates social change. Our programs:

• instill confidence, self-esteem, and other life skills in athletes,
• improve health through lifelong physical fitness and access to education, and
• build a more inclusive society and stronger communities by opening hearts and minds to the abilities of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Who We Are

• Special Olympics is a charitable organization that relies on public, corporate, and government support to deliver athletic programs in B.C. communities at low or no cost for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Special Olympics BC’s programs are for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and all levels of experience.
• We have programs for children, youth, and adults. The youngest Special Olympics BC athletes are two years old and the eldest is 87!
• We provide an introduction to sport and physical activity through year-round sport and training programs.
• We also offer opportunities to compete in local, regional, national, and international events.
• Special Olympics programs are delivered by dedicated volunteer coaches and program leaders. No experience is required to be a Special Olympics volunteer – training and support are provided to ensure high-quality and safe program operations. Volunteers bring a desire to empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, build inclusion, and change lives, including your own.

Why We Matter

Special Olympics uses the transformative power and joy of sport to reveal the full potential of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Research shows extensive personal and social benefits from Special Olympics programs.

• For every $1 invested in Special Olympics community sport programs in Canada, $8.76 in social benefit is created through improved athlete physical and mental health, life skills, and community impact.
• Special Olympics athletes and programs across Canada create a $100-150M annual benefit to society, through reduced health-care costs and increased income contribute to local economies and healthier communities.  
• Special Olympics athletes and programs across Canada contribute more than $100M to local economies in incremental income. Athletes' increased employment and participation create a positive ripple effect, boosting local economies and supporting sustainable growth.

Compared with the average individual with an intellectual disability who is not engaged in Special Olympics, athletes in Canada experience significant health and lifestyle benefits:

• Improved physical and mental health: Athletes experience a 15 per cent lower risk of diabetes and a 49 per cent lower risk of depression.
• Increased employment opportunities: Athletes have a 44 per cent employment rate, compared to only 28 per cent for Canadians with intellectual disabilities who do not participate in Special Olympics.
• Longer, healthier lives: Athletes engaging in regular aerobic activity gain an average of 2.5 years in life expectancy.

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