Excitement is building as members of the Team BC 2018 Training Squad begin their journey to the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships in Prince Edward Island May 14 to 20, and the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, from July 29 to August 5. These dedicated and deserving individuals have qualified for their spots on the provincial training squad based on their performances in the 2017 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Kamloops.

On October 21 and 22, 82 Team BC 2018 coaches and mission staff members started their countdown to the east coast by coming together in Richmond for the Team BC 2018 Coach and Mission Staff Summit. This two-day event charged up the Team BC 2018 spirit and gave coaches and mission staff an important opportunity to plan how they will help the athletes do their best in competition at the national level.

The Team BC 2018 coaches and mission staff are an inspiring and dedicated group who have given countless hours to Special Olympics and who love working with SOBC athletes to help them shine in their sports and feel confidence, friendship, and joy through sport. The athletes are huge sources of inspiration to their coaches in turn!

These provincial team coaches have shared moving words about why they choose to give their time to Special Olympics. Read on for some of their thoughtful responses…

What is your favourite thing about being involved with SOBC?

“The athletes – coaching is something I look forward to each week. You could be having a bad say but you show up at the pool and they change your day and attitude to a positive one.”
-Penny Coyle (SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook), Team BC 2018 swimming coach

“My favourite thing about being involved with SOBC is experiencing with the athletes their accomplishments in sport and in their daily lives. It is heartwarming to be a part of the SOBC community and share in making a difference in the lives of so many wonderful individual and foster lasting friendships.”
-Ellen Martz (SOBC – Quesnel), Team BC 2018 5-pin bowling coach

“The people. Special Olympics is so much more than sport. It is life-changing.”
-George Maclagan (SOBC – Campbell River), Team BC 2018 powerlifting coach

“If I have to narrow it down, it would be sharing in the excitement of success with the athletes. Celebrating both small and large victories is so fulfilling. Watching an athlete complete a routine for the first time is exceptionally exciting!”
-Jennifer Fyfe (SOBC – Vancouver), Team BC 2018 rhythmic gymnastics coach

“My favourite part about being involved with SOBC is the athletes and the spirit and dedication that they bring to each practice and competition. SOBC athletes are so inspiring, and touching base with each athlete at practice is the best part of my week!”
-Nicole Bracewell (SOBC – Victoria), Team BC 2018 softball coach

“Seeing the athletes grow and develop while supporting each other – knowing I am making a difference in the lives of others.”
-David Wilkinson (SOBC – Kelowna), Team BC 2018 bocce coach

“There are countless reasons to enjoy being involved with SOBC, but what keeps myself and others like me coming back to the programs every year are the athletes. Every year, the athletes prove to their coaches in the programs that they are willing to go the extra mile and strive to reach their own personal goals. Their attitude, integrity, fearlessness, and courage offer an incredible display of what it means to have the heart of an athlete. They demonstrate qualities that everyone should aspire to have.”
-Peter De Marchi (SOBC – Burnaby), Team BC 2018 athletics coach

“I love the ‘driving force’ behind SOBC, our athletes, volunteers, coaches, family, and friends helping with fundraising programs, having fun, fair play, competitions, exercise, healthy eating, and technical training. Most of all – after all this work we can see our athletes go for their goals, dreams, and to be ambassadors of their sport.”
-Bryan LeBlanc (SOBC – Surrey), Team BC 2018 10-pin bowling coach

“My favourite thing is the dedication, spirit, and sportsmanship the athletes display.”
-Darren Lane (SOBC – Sunshine Coast), Team BC 2018 golf coach

“The friends I have made with other coaches and athletes. And staying fit as I train alongside them!”
-Annabel Stanley (SOBC – Kelowna), Team BC 2018 soccer coach

“How amazingly our athletes appreciate the work that all coaches do to give our athlete a chance to display their athleticism. It is amazing that when I have had a rough day at work I will take my daughter to an SOBC practice that she participates in, and you are met with smiles and hugs and the rough day is instantly forgotten. It is all smiles.”
-Peter Potomak (SOBC – Langley), Team BC 2018 basketball coach

Please click here to meet the rest of the team coaches

Stay tuned for more news to come from Special Olympics Team BC 2018!