Meet Athlete Neil Emmery
Meet Neil Emmery, a 77 year old Special Olympics BC – Trail athlete who has found both joy and success in the sports he loves.
Emmery is a dedicated athlete who joined Special Olympics BC's year-round programs around 40 years ago. He began with bowling in the winter and playing bocce in the summer, and it didn’t take long for him to stand out.
“Going to Langley and winning the gold medal” for bocce at the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games is Emmery’s favourite memory, and something he worked hard for.
After winning gold, he went on to compete at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, held right here in British Columbia.
He’s also won trophies and ribbons for his bowling skills, including winning gold at the Wilbert Ackerman Invitational Bowling Tournament in 2015.
Competition is nothing new to the veteran athlete who grew up playing hockey and baseball.
Staying close to his roots, Emmery still volunteers as a security guard for the Trail Smoke Eaters, his local junior hockey team.
When asked his favourite thing about Special Olympics, Emmery says that he “likes to meet people” and always has. Another perk, he adds, is getting to travel to new places with his team.
He suggests trying out baseball and floorball as well as bocce and bowling and says that “the best way to start is to participate.”
Over the last 40 years, Emmery has found friendships and joyful moments. His unwavering dedication to sports and the organization is truly inspiring, and we're so fortunate to have him part of the Special Olympics BC community!
Article by Leah Warren, BCIT Online & Broadcast Journalism