Thunderous applause, contagious laughter, and joyous high-fives were some of the sights and sounds that highlighted this year's motionball Marathon of Sport events in B.C.!
Marathon of Sport is motionball’s flagship event that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics programs across Canada. Young professionals team up with Special Olympics athletes in a variety of sports, creating an inclusive atmosphere filled with fun, joy, and healthy competition.
This year’s motionball Marathon of Sport Vancouver presented by Methanex took place at the University of British Columbia on June 18. Despite the rain, participants had a blast.
“I really love motionball sports events because we show a lot of sportsmanship,” said SOBC – Surrey athlete Susan Wang.
Check out Methanex’s amazing video from the event.
To kick off the day, participants formed a human tunnel for the 41 SOBC athletes to run through, high-fiving everybody.
Camaraderie and teamwork are what makes Marathon of Sport events so memorable for Special Olympics athletes.
All teams showed their spirit in the multiple sports they participated in, including football, Ultimate, and bocce.
The event was once again a huge success, as it raised $130,000!
“So many of our athletes really thrive on the ability to get out and be a part of the community,” SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe said to Methanex.
Sincere thanks to the valued supporters of motionball’s Marathon of Sport Vancouver event: Methanex, Teck Resources Ltd, Brandcamp Digital, Benefits by Design (BBD), Russell Brewing Company, Heritage Office Furnishings, Belron Canada, Watson and Barnard, Arc'teryx, Insight Global, Brock Solutions, Lawson Lundell LLP, and Hootsuite.
Watch highlights from the 2022 Marathon of Sport Vancouver.
The motionball Marathon of Sport Kelowna presented by Kelowna Toyota took place at City Park on September 17, with 45 SOBC athletes participating. This year’s event raised $240,000!
As SOBC athletes walked on to the field to the majestic tunes of bagpipe music and the roar of a large crowd, they knew that they were in for an exciting day filled with sports and friendship.
Participants were kept on their toes by continually switching sports, all while having fun and connecting with teammates.
“By design every 20 minutes you switch off and you play a different sport. It’s a very non-competitive event that is more about getting out and having some fun and getting to know the athletes,” Kelowna Marathon of Sport Director Derek Fuhr said to Global News Kelowna.
One of the highlights of Marathon of Sport events is the tremendous amount of encouragement that participants give each other.
“We have lots of courage for each other and these people that I am teaming up with are unbelievable and they are athletic and I’m so happy to be part of this team with lots of strength and courage and hard work,” SOBC – Kelowna athlete Joanna Morris said to Global News Kelowna.
Big thanks to the generous supporters of motionball’s Marathon of Sport Kelowna event: Kelowna Toyota, KelownaNow, Virgin 99.9 Kelowna, and Kelowna Capital News.
In other 2022 motionball B.C. news, the annual CF24 event was held on October 1, and gyms across the province participated in a “hero” style workout that raised funds for Special Olympics programs across Canada. Thanks to CrossFit BC and CrossFit Penticton who participated in this fun event!
In March, motionballU saw university students and SOBC athletes team up for fun-filled events hosted by Thompson Rivers University, the University of the Fraser Valley, and UBC’s Okanagan and Vancouver Campuses. We are grateful to everyone who supported these inclusive events!
With all of motionball’s events taking place in communities across B.C., Vancouver Marathon of Sport Co-event Director Reza Askari is very excited for the future.
“We were missing the more sporty aspect of motionball during the pandemic so this year was extra awesome. We at the committee are already planning and ideating for how to make next summer's event even more glorious. Stay tuned and look forward to seeing you all there!”
We are grateful for all the athletes, volunteers, organizers, and supporters who made this year’s motionball events so successful!