Special Olympics BC – Prince George athlete Malachy Stewart has been involved with SOBC for six years, and is a member of the Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 Training Squad! He has been working hard to compete in basketball at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin June 17 to 25.
Growing up, Stewart struggled to fit in with sports teams at school, as he felt like he wasn’t being included. When he joined Special Olympics at the age of 17, he finally felt confident to play sports.
“No other sports team worked for me,” Stewart said. “Then I looked at Special Olympics and we gave that a try. Right away from the very first moment I joined, it was just perfect – everyone was just so amazing. They were so nice, so accepting, so encouraging. I felt so confident – I never ever felt that before anywhere else.”
Stewart joins 21 other incredible athletes, coaches, and mission staff from B.C. on the Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 Training Squad, as he prepares for the World Summer Games. He qualified for the Training Squad through his performances at the 2022 SOBC Super Summer Series.
Stewart is very grateful for the opportunity to compete with pride and showcase his abilities on the international stage.
“Thank you all so much! Words can't describe how really thankful I am. You've changed my life for the better in every way.”
Join us in cheering on all of B.C.’s dedicated and determined members of #SOTeamCanada23 at the Special Olympics World Summer Games June 17 to 25!
-Article written by Parmvir Kang of BCIT Online & Broadcast Journalism
Meet the SO Team Canada 2023 Training Squad members from B.C.