Special Olympics BC actively looks to work with school districts to help educate teachers, support staff, families, and the students themselves as to what we have to offer. In order to ensure that students with intellectual disabilities are aware of all the sporting opportunities available to them through Special Olympics BC in their local community, we host "try-it days."
On January 27, Special Olympics BC in partnership with the Quesnel School District hosted a successful try-it day at the Quesnel Junior School to engage with local students. Twenty-four students attended from six schools, ranging from elementary through middle and secondary schools.
Students rotated through stations to experience four Special Olympics sports: basketball, curling, rhythmic gymnastics, and track and field. Special Olympics BC – Quesnel coaches led the sports and several athletes were also there to assist. SOBC – Quesnel athlete Glenda Melnychuk assisted with rhythmic gymnastics, Cory Melnychuk with basketball, and Jean Scriver with curling.
Special Olympics coaches involved included Shelly Calihou and Ellen Martz (rhythmic gymnastics), Randy Curr (basketball), Laurie Kent and Rick Prosk (track and field), and Wilf Smith (curling).
Many student volunteers and education assistants helped the activities run smoothly. Many teachers and the Superintendent came to observe the students’ learning and to cheer on their efforts. For many participants in the try-it day, this was the first time they had participated in some of these sports.
The day opened with warm introductions by Leslie Thornley, SOBC Manager Sport, Coach & Youth Development, and Dan Lowndes, District Principal of Support Services, School District #28 (Quesnel). Their welcome was followed by the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath led by Cory Melnychuk.
“Physical activity and sport has the ability to move us in ways we maybe never thought possible; the try-it day helped remind us of this,” Principal Lowndes said after the event. “Wonderful participation from our student athletes, coaches, adult and student volunteers helped make this day a memorable one for all those involved. Thank you.”
SOBC is looking to offer this opportunity in other regions around the province.
Sincere thanks to Goldcorp, the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, Tim Hortons, the Samuel Family Foundation, The Slaight Family Foundation, the GoodLife Kids Foundation, and The Hamber Foundation for supporting SOBC’s youth programs and opportunities throughout B.C.