National Volunteer Week
Celebrating SOBC’s life-changing volunteers who make waves across our province!
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact, and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.
Special Olympics BC’s dedicated volunteers pour their hearts into everything they do. From organizing year-round programs, to raising funds and planning events, to coaching athletes on the playing fields, Special Olympics volunteers are vital to the inclusivity, strength, and togetherness of our movement. They create much-needed spaces and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to find friendship, purpose, and community.
We are eternally grateful to all the Special Olympics BC volunteers who make waves with the generous gift of their time and talents!
During National Volunteer Week 2025 from April 27 to May 3, we come together to recognize and celebrate the importance of each and every volunteer’s impact from coast to coast.
#NVW2025 #VolunteersMakeWaves
NVW 2025 Contest
Special Olympics BC volunteers are invited to share your story for your chance to win! Please complete this short form to share why you love volunteering with Special Olympics BC. Enter before May 3, 2025, for a chance to win one of ten $50 gift cards for use at Empire Company Ltd. stores including Safeway and Thrifty Foods!
Volunteer Spotlight
At Special Olympics BC, we're fortunate to have amazing volunteers who create waves across the province. From coaching and administrative roles to helping organize the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, these volunteers bring heart into everything they do!
Coach Debbie McCooey
For more than 20 years, coach Debbie McCooey has made a strong positive impact on athletes, families, other volunteers and the community at SOBC – Comox Valley’s 5-pin bowling program, Local Executive and beyond. Her amazing commitment won her the 2024 Special Olympics BC Grassroots Coach Award.
“Debbie is a champion of encouragement and support for her athletes, regardless of ability level. Debbie encourages her athletes to live healthy lifestyles and implements messages and announcements into her practices to remind athletes of the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, mental well-being, and physical conditioning.” - Debbie’s 2024 Grassroots Coach Award nominators.
Leadership volunteers Donna Bilous, Sheila Hogan, and Sheila Snell
For over 20 years, Local Coordinators Sheila Hogan (SOBC – Coquitlam) and Sheila Snell (SOBC – Surrey) have led their communities with passion and purpose, while Donna Bilous, SOBC – Abbotsford coach and Chair of the SOBC Leadership Council, continues to inspire through her province-wide leadership.
In recognition of their incredible contributions, all three were awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal this year.
Read more about the King Charles III Coronation Medal
Provincial Office Administrative Volunteer Carol Krishna
Carol Krishna volunteers three days a week at the Special Olympics BC provincial office, helping with essential administrative tasks that keep things running smoothly. Carol also generously supports key events like registration days and Healthy Athletes screenings – always showing up with dedication and heart. Her behind-the-scenes work makes a big difference, and we are so grateful for everything she does!
Learn about different volunteer roles
SOBC Board of Directors Member, SOBC – Delta Volunteer, and Provincial Sponsor and Donor Pamela Keith
Pamela Keith has supported the movement in so many meaningful ways: as a dedicated member of the SOBC Board of Directors, a volunteer with SOBC – Delta, a member on committees such as Auction for Athletes, and a generous provincial sponsor and donor who truly leads by example.
Her family business, Dueck Auto Group, plays a vital role as a long-time SOBC sponsor – especially through events like Auction for Athletes, a fundraiser supported by the New Car Dealers of BC that has raised over $6.2 million for SOBC over 40 years!
Learn more about the Auction for Athletes
SOBC Games Co-Chairs Renee McCloskey and Lyn Hall
Renee and Lyn bring a wealth of experience and heart to the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games. Renee previously served as President of the 2022 BC Summer Games in Prince George, while Lyn chaired the last SOBC Games held in Prince George back in 2001. We’re so grateful for their leadership, passion, and commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, volunteers, and the entire community!
“Getting involved with Special Olympics is a memorable and fun way to change lives, including your own, through the power of sport.” - Lyn Hall
Thank you, Renee and Lyn, for leading the way toward an incredible 2025 Games!
Volunteer at the 2025 SOBC Games
Volunteer Resources
- SOBC Volunteer Professional Development Series
- Coach development opportunities
- More SOBC resources
- National Volunteer Week homepage
Meet SOBC Volunteers
Meet more dedicated SOBC Volunteers
Award-winning SOBC coaches and volunteers
Stay tuned to SOBC's social media channels through National Volunteer Week to meet a few more of our inspiring volunteers!
Messages from Athletes
From SOBC Athlete Reporters
Read and watch their 2023 messages
From Kerri Lipsack, SOBC – Oceanside athlete
From Torben Schuffert, SOBC Athlete Input Council Region 7 Rep
From Susan Wang, SOBC Athlete Input Council Region 3 Rep
Change the Game as a Special Olympics Volunteer
get involved and make a difference