Roy Stephens is a hardworking Special Olympics BC Athlete Reporter and Kelowna athlete. He crushed challenges throughout the SOBC Provincial Challenge Games and filed this report!
Special Olympics BC did Challenge Games from May 1 to June 18. We had difference challenges each week during May and June. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we had live Facebook videos and got passwords during the workouts.
I was part of the Challenge Games. I really liked doing the challenges and getting the passwords on Tuesday and Thursday. My team name was the J.R.E.M.A. Team. We used Fisher for the mascot for our team. We met with our training coach Emma on Zoom at the end of each week to check in and sent her our sheets during the 7 weeks, so she could check the points.
We had two Pep Rallies with Region 2 online. On the first one we got to see two-time soccer Olympian Emily Zurrer who was our Honorary Coach.
The Second Pep Rally we showed the other Region 2 teams our team names and mascots, and then finished the night playing two games of Bingo with everyone online.
Interview with SOBC – Kelowna athlete Taylor Bennett
How did you feel about participating in the Challenge Games?
I felt happy and I really liked participating.
It motivated me to get moving.
How were you active?
I kept active by walking every day at least 25 minutes. I did not do that before the challenge.
What was the most challenging part?
The most challenging part was going EVERY DAY, even though sometimes I was tired.
What was your favourite part?
My favourite part was feeling good about what I was doing – getting exercise and being healthier.
Interview with SOBC – Kelowna Club Fit coach Emma
How did you feel about participating in the Challenge Games as a training group leader?
I loved being a part of the provincial challenge! It kept me motivated to stay active and allowed me to connect with old and new athletes.
How were you active?
I did a lot of indoor spin, mountain biking, and walking outside. I also coached Club Fit once a week and some Trainer Tuesday sessions live on Facebook that kept me active!
What was the most challenging part?
I think the most challenging part was staying accountable. There would be days I wouldn’t feel like being active, but I knew a quick walk or dance party would make me feel much better at the end of the day.
What was your favourite part?
My favourite part was getting to know my training group athletes. There were some I knew beforehand that I was able to talk to more, and a few new athletes that I was able to meet and help motivate! Seeing my team crush their goals each week was very rewarding and motivated me to stay active myself. I also loved the pep rallies and dance parties with all of Region 2!
From Roy Stephens