Hannah Bauer says being part of the Special Olympics community has been a powerful, life-changing experience.

Bauer is a facilitator for Special Olympics BC – Squamish’s Active Start and FUNdamentals programs and serves as the Local’s Volunteer Coordinator. She loves to help young athletes develop their skills, and she is inspired by their strength, determination, and positive attitudes.

Originally a basketball coach with Special Olympics Ontario, Bauer was delighted to discover there were Special Olympics programs in Squamish when she moved there for university. She says getting to know athletes, caregivers, and families in the area has been an incredible experience, and she has enjoyed watching SOBC – Squamish grow. Bauer says one of her favourite things about being involved with SOBC is realizing there is a strong Special Olympics community that extends across the country.

When did you start with Special Olympics, and how did you get involved?

This has been my eighth year volunteering with Special Olympics – I can't believe how fast the time has gone! I began coaching when I was 14 years old with the Special Olympics basketball team in Burlington, Ontario. When I first started, I was quite intimidated as a number of the athletes were much older than me. This quickly changed as I discovered how warm and welcoming the Special Olympics community was. Thursday night basketball practices were always the highlight of my week. After being involved with the basketball team for five years in Ontario, I moved to Squamish to attend university. I was so excited to hear about the Special Olympics programs running in the Squamish community, and I jumped right back in.

What has been your most memorable Special Olympics experience? 

It is impossible to choose a favourite memory from my time volunteering with Special Olympics. My most memorable experience is not a single event, but rather the long-term positive impact that Special Olympics has had on my life. Each week, I look forward to the different friendly faces and exciting energy at practice. I am consistently inspired by the strength, happiness, and resilience of the athletes in our program. I love sharing and celebrating the success and development of the SOBC athletes of the future!

What is your favourite thing about being involved with SOBC?

The Active Start and FUNdamentals programs have opened my eyes to what Special Olympics means to the local community. For me, getting to know the athletes, caregivers, and families in the community on a personal level has been immensely rewarding. Additionally, I have seen the benefits of creating a space in the program for connection and discussion between parents and caregivers. This sense of community cohesiveness has been incredible to be a part of. My favourite thing from being involved with SOBC might be realizing that the true Special Olympics spirit and community extends across the country.

What would you like others to know about SOBC – Squamish?

Though our programs are small, we are committed to providing a safe, fun, and supportive atmosphere for all athletes in the community. This April, we will be adding a new sport to SOBC – Squamish’s programming – athletics! We are looking forward to growing both our local programming and Special Olympics spirit in Squamish in the coming months and years. I can't wait to see where we go.