Regional Qualifier Roundup: Being brave in the attempt

March 18, 2026

SOBC – Dawson Creek Athlete Reporter David Johnston and his curling teammates at their Regional Qualifier.

Special Olympics BC Athlete Reporters are sharing stories from the 2026 SOBC Winter Regional Qualifiers happening across the province this season! In March, they covered alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, snowshoeing, and more.

By Athlete Reporter Miranda Orth of Special Olympics BC – Nanaimo

The 2026 Special Olympics BC Winter Regional Qualifiers are currently happening from now to April, and athletes from different Regions are doing a lot of training and competitions to earn a spot in the 2027 Special Olympics BC Winter Games!

The athlete I interviewed was Ron Greenhorn, competing in alpine skiing. He also goes to Club Fit practices on Wednesday evenings at Nanaimo District Secondary School to do fitness training.

Before competing in his Alpine Skiing Regional Qualifier, Ron said, "I am looking forward to it!" He wants to compete along with fellow athletes so they can see how well their hard work pays off.

Ron’s goals for the competition were to "reconnect with old friends, achieve my personal best, and to make it as far as the 2029 Special Olympics World Winter Games!"

Ron wants to have fun and compete hard. He likes competing because he then can see how hard he trained. He also mentions competitions are important because of socializing with people along with doing your best in the events.

From my interview with Ron and what he told me, I'm sure the skiing will be great with athletes like him competing there!

More Regional Qualifier highlights from Athlete Reporters

Region 2 Snowshoeing Regional Qualifier hosted by SOBC – Kelowna

Kelowna’s Roy Stephens and Maria Schmitke interviewed coach David Wilkinson.
They also caught up with Kelowna athletes.
Athlete Reporter Jake Miller of SOBC – Trail interviewed athlete Danielle Pechet and coaches Ray Huson and Ron Aarstad about overcoming the challenges of snow shortages to still compete, noting that everyone showed up and worked hard and had a good time!

“I’m proud of all our athletes, they’ve adapted and trained hard. We’re having a great day!”

David Wilkinson

Special Olympics BC Athlete Reporter Jake Miller covering the Region 2 Snowshoeing Regional Qualifier.

Region 2 Curling Regional Qualifier hosted by SOBC – Kelowna

Kelowna’s Rae Hartley and Kassidy Rutledge gave an overview of a busy weekend with skiing and curling qualifiers.
Rae Hartley interviewed athlete Christine Greer about her first time competing at a curling qualifier.
Rae interviewed athlete Robbie Jongewaard about his close game experience.

“I had a great first-time experience! I thought we did quite well, and it was a fun time.”

Christine Greer

Cross Country Skiing Regional Qualifier hosted by SOBC – Golden

Roy Stephens reported on “a great day of competition” and wished good luck to everyone!

Region 8 Curling Regional Qualifier hosted by SOBC – Quesnel

Athlete Reporter David Johnston of Dawson Creek enjoys competing, trying his best, and trying to advance to other levels of competition and travel experiences. In his curling team’s qualifier, they played a thrilling final game against SOBC – Fort St. John. Both teams played their hearts out, and the game came down to the last throw, where Fort St. John captured the win!
He also interviewed fellow curler Dara Watson, who said her goal was to “get [the rocks] in the house” and felt good about her performance. She feels competitions are important to get more experience. The comment she remembered from fellow athletes was “good job!”

“I like to compete and travel and meet other people. I like competing with other athletes and trying our best so we can qualify for provincials, nationals, and internationals. It’s important for us to get to compete, so we can go out there and try our best, and so everyone can see what Special Olympics athletes can do.”

David Johnston

Special Olympics BC Athlete Reporter David Johnston covering the Region 8 Curling Regional Qualifier.

Region 6 Curling Regional Qualifier hosted by SOBC – Oceanside

Athlete Reporter Sheenagh Morrison talked with fellow Victoria athlete Jennifer Ferrier about her first time competing in a Regional Qualifier for curling. She felt excited and ready!

“It’s my very first curling regionals, so I’m pretty excited about that. I’ve improved over the years since I started curling, and I’m ready to go.”

Jenn Ferrier

Special Olympics BC Athlete Reporter Sheenagh Morrison covering the Region 6 Curling Regional Qualifier.

Regional Qualifier competitions continue through March and April 2026. Good luck to all the athletes competing with pride, and heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, families, and sponsors who help make these meaningful experiences possible!