The last year has been tough on everyone. But while many of our in-person activities have paused, the Special Olympics spirit has not. Special Olympics BC continues to create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to stay active, inspire, and develop lifelong skills and relationships. This is entirely thanks to our volunteers!
“To volunteers, I would say, what you offer is not only a chance for those with disabilities to get out and experience the world, but you offer a chance for those with little hope of glory. You give them a chance to bask in the respect of others, and that's a rare thing.”
– Team BC 2020 5-pin bowler and SOBC – Prince George athlete Adam Spokes
“We want to thank everybody that helped us, all the coaches and the volunteers, both at practices and at Games. Let me tell you, without the volunteers it would all just fall apart.”
– SOBC – Keremeos athlete Ashleigh Cummings
“It’s the most rewarding volunteer position that I’ve ever had. You get back so much more – the love and respect the athletes give you and they truly appreciate everything you do for them. They’re genuinely happy to see you and they want to succeed. I would highly recommend to anyone to volunteer with Special Olympics.”
– Misty Pagliaro, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook alpine skiing / golf coach, 2020 Howard Carter Award winner
“You will not find a more rewarding experience than when you volunteer with Special Olympics. The love, admiration, and appreciation that the athletes have for the coaches and volunteers is second to none. To see how happy the athletes are to be part of such an inclusive organization is so rewarding.”
– Leslie Bowling, SOBC – Abbotsford coach, Team BC 2020 5-pin bowling coach
“Volunteering with Special Olympics has taught me more about myself than any other experience I've been involved in. It challenges, encourages, and inspires me every day!”
– Kaehlen Allison, SOBC – Victoria, Team BC 2020 speed skating coach
Videos
- SOBC – Smithers athlete Torben Schuffert, SOBC Athlete Input Council Region 7 representative
- SOBC – Surrey athlete Susan Wang, SOBC Athlete Input Council Region 3 representative
Resources
- Show your support for Special Olympics BC volunteers and frame your Facebook profile picture with the all-new SOBC National Volunteer Week 2021 Facebook frame here!
- SOBC Volunteer Professional Development Series
- Special Olympics Canada is offering two webinars where you can learn simple and effective ways to provide feedback to your athletes that result in higher levels of learning and performance!
- Additional Special Olympics BC resources