B.C. members of Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 proudly represented their country and province at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin! They showcased their amazing abilities at the World Games, celebrating podium finishes, lasting friendships, and lifelong memories.
Athletes, coaches, and mission staff from B.C. all returned with countless memorable experiences and reflections from the World Games. As a team, they were truly #UnbeatableTogether!
Find results and highlights from B.C. members of #SOTeamCanada23
SOBC – Coquitlam’s Amy Nelson and Amanda Manzardo were part of Special Olympics Canada’s first-ever all-female soccer team to participate at the World Games. The team came home with a bronze medal! Nelson and Manzardo were delighted to be a part of such a cohesive and organized team who accomplished great feats on and off the field.
“It feels amazing to be able to get to this level and to compete in the first-ever women’s soccer team as well,” Nelson said.
“I’m very impressed with how our coaches are so dedicated. I think that is a good portion of why our team was so connected. The coaches were dedicated to us and we dedicated ourselves to the team,” Manzardo said.
Jesse Thibeault of SOBC – Surrey delivered a strong showing in track and field, finishing fifth in the 400m final and winning bronze in the 4x100m relay. He cherished not only his victories but also the new friends he made along the way.
“It was a tremendous honour training and competing alongside these amazing athletes that I had the pleasure to get to know over the past months. They are people that I’m proud to call teammates and some as my new closest friends. I’m happy to have made such amazing memories alongside them and hope to make more,” Thibeault said.
Grace Kealey is the parent of SO Team Canada powerlifter Ryan Kealey of SOBC – Kamloops. The World Games were an opportunity for Ryan Kealey to overcome obstacles and celebrate his incredible achievements.
“It was just so rewarding to see him be acknowledged for the special person that he is. You can’t ever say that you’re unworthy or that you don’t mean something. There have been a lot of challenges, so it’s a huge accomplishment in more ways than one, and the medals were just the icing on the cake,” Grace Kealey said.
SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook’s Misty Pagliaro was proud to have coached athlete Erin Thom at the World Games. She saw Erin conquer the golf course while soaking in memories of togetherness and inclusion.
“Erin did fantastic and she played some of her best golf ever on an extremely difficult course. It’s a very special experience to be at World Games and to see athletes from all over the world interacting with one another, even though they don’t speak the same language. However, they all speak Special Olympics, as they shake hands, compete together, and celebrate everybody’s victories,” Pagliaro said.
We are so proud of #SOTeamCanada23 and all the accomplishments you achieved! You have all added to the growing legacy of the Special Olympics movement, championing inclusion through the power and joy of sport.
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