Athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province are enjoying Special Olympics BC sport, youth, and health programs this spring! Special Olympics programs are full of fun, fitness, and friendship for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and a wide range of ability levels.
In addition to enjoying weekly training, more than 1,200 athletes across the province are gearing up to compete at the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George July 10 to 12! There is so much hard work going on in training, and so much excitement about this opportunity to compete with pride, pursue personal bests, and spend time with friends.
Special Olympics BC athletes have opportunities to participate in Athlete Leadership training, where they build their skills in areas such as reporting techniques, and public speaking. Athlete Reporters and leaders shared the below reports on what is happening around the province in spring 2025!
Miranda Orth, Athlete Reporter, SOBC – Nanaimo
The upcoming SOBC Games in Prince George in July 2025 will be the first Special Olympics BC Games for summer sports since the pandemic happened. The public events in the Games happen from July 10 to July 12, and they will be exciting with a lot of competition in sports like track and field and basketball!
The current Special Olympics sport I do is track and field at Monday practices, and I also do my own fitness training at home. At the SOBC Games I’ll be doing track and field, competing in the 3000-metre and 1500-metre races along with field events shot Put and Javelin. These are the competition events I did at the Regional Qualifier track meet back in June 2024, to earn a spot to compete at Provincial Games.
For me, it’s exciting to be part of the Provincial Games this year because I get to go to a new place I haven’t gone to before by Charter flight, and it’s fun to be an athlete in a sport I enjoy. Also, I am looking forward to meeting new people in Prince George and getting to know the place.
My goals for Provincial Games are making connections with people, trying my hardest at competitions to win medals, and participating in some social events like the Healthy Athletes screenings. During my current training, I am focusing on increasing my strength and speed.
What I like the most at Special Olympics is having some friends at my track and field sport that are also training for the SOBC Games. I appreciate getting feedback from a variety of coaches at my practices! I really look forward to Provincial Games because it’s been a long time and it’s my first time flying to a place in B.C. for sports!
FUNdamentals is Fun!
By Olivia S.
Olivia is a Special Olympics BC – Kamloops athlete. She is taking part in her first year of Athlete Leadership Academy training. She volunteers with the FUNdamentals program that happens on Saturday mornings, just before her own rhythmic gymnastics training time. She models how to do the various skills the younger athletes are learning and helps with equipment and coaching.
Olivia interviewed the parents of the young athletes to find out why FUNdamentals is a great program! Here is her report:
FUNdamentals happens on Saturday morning in a school gym in Kamloops. Young athletes play and learn new skills like hopping, jumping, throwing, and balancing. Here are what parents say they like about FUNdamentals.
Matteo is 9 years old and his mom says he gets to come socialize with kids the same age and similar ability. Matteo’s favourite activity is the parachute.
Lewis is 8 years old and his dad says he gets to come and play the basic sports and gets to be himself and gets to socialize with kids.
Luan is 5 years old and his dad says he gets to be around kids his age and the same ability. He likes his coaches and the volunteers.
The coaches have fun with the athletes and I have fun, too.
SheenaGh Morrison, Athlete Reporter, SOBC – Victoria
Sheenagh interviewed her friend and fellow athlete James about his preparations for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games!
Sheenagh: “James, tell me what sports you’re going to in Prince George.”
James: “Swimming!”
Sheenagh: “What are you doing for your training?”
James: “I am swimming, I am doing walking and Club Fit, and training in softball as well.”
Sheenagh: “How many Provincial Games have you been to?”
James: “Three.”
Sheenagh: “That’s awesome! Are you looking forward to Prince George?”
James: “OH YEAH!”
Lauren Philley, Athlete Reporter, SOBC – North Shore
The Special Olympics sports I participate in are bocce, golf, softball, and track. I will be competing in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in bocce.
In Provincial Games, it’s so wonderful to see all of the athletes working so hard.
My goal for the 2025 SOBC Summer Games is to win first place.
In my training, I am focusing on trying my best and winning.
The thing I like most about Special Olympics is meeting new friends and volunteers.
Sandra Malku, Athlete Reporter, SOBC – Richmond
I participate in Special Olympics track and field, softball, soccer, and Club Fit. In the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, I will compete in track and field.
Being part of Provincial Games makes me happy. My goal is to get medals.
In my training, I am focusing on working hard.
My favourite thing about Special Olympics is having time with my friends and meeting new people.