Newmont has played a critical role in expanding Special Olympics BC’s opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages across the province.
In 2010, Newmont made a huge difference for SOBC by launching a gift of $1 million over four years, which significantly expanded Special Olympics BC’s life-changing programs for children with intellectual disabilities. In 2014, the company initiated a second $1-million four-year commitment to continue providing empowering opportunities for Special Olympics athletes across the province.
Newmont has ensured a lasting impact with their current multi-year commitment of $500,000, which is supporting Special Olympics BC through June 2021. They are dedicated to helping Special Olympics BC transform lives through the joy of sport, and ending the isolation and exclusion that people with intellectual disabilities sadly still experience.
“Newmont is a deserving member of Special Olympics BC’s Hall of Fame. They genuinely seek to make a lasting difference in the communities where they have operations. They see the powerful impact Special Olympics has on the lives of athletes and their communities, and they have been an important part of our life-changing work for more than 15 years,” says SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe.
Newmont began their support for SOBC in 2005 by sponsoring the Final Fore Golf Tournament. Five years later, they became the title sponsor of the event in recognition of their outstanding support and leadership benefitting Special Olympics. Now, the Newmont Invitational Golf Tournament is one of Vancouver's premier golf events, and has raised more than $3.5 million to benefit SOBC. Many Newmont executives have contributed to the event’s success by serving on the organizing committee.
When it was determined that the 2020 tournament could not be held because of COVID-19, Newmont showed their generosity and leadership by immediately converting their sponsorship into a donation. This inspired many other companies and individuals who had previously sponsored the tournament or purchased a team to continue their support.
At the 2019 tournament, Ivan Mullany, Newmont Senior Vice President Projects, spoke about the company’s ongoing support of SOBC.
“We see Special Olympics doing so much great work, and we really enjoy being part of sponsoring this great event,” Mullany said.
Special Olympics BC – Surrey athlete Susan Wang graciously served as the co-emcee of the 2019 tournament banquet, and she spoke about the impact that Special Olympics and Newmont’s support have had on her life.
“When I was growing up, I was bullied. I felt like I didn’t know how to fit in, and like nobody believed that I could succeed. Special Olympics helped me not give up, and go for my best,” Wang told the audience. “I was going to quit school, but Special Olympics helped me not give up. I graduated from high school, and now I am studying at Capilano University. I am working to graduate next year and will seek to work in a daycare. …
“Thank you so much for supporting Special Olympics and helping athletes like me believe we can succeed!”
We are very grateful to Newmont for playing a vital role in Special Olympics BC’s growth and life-changing opportunities!