Special Olympics Vancouver Coaches Go the Extra Mile to help Athletes Reach National Games
Written By: Callum Denault, Special Olympics Canada Athlete and Staff Member
Living just one bridge away from Vancouver in the city of Richmond, B.C., Lucy Gynp said she had to give up bowling in Special Olympics due to a lack of coaches to keep the program running. She nearly had to stop participating in rhythmic gymnastics as well, if not for the Special Olympics Vancouver gymnastics team going over capacity to welcome Richmond athletes into their programs with open arms.
Their generosity paid off, with Lucy now representing her entire province as a rhythmic gymnast at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026, held in Medicine Hat, Alberta!
“Everyone’s really encouraging and friendly,” Lucy said about her provincial team, “they tell me I’m doing a good job even though I personally think I need improvement. Makes me feel all fuzzy inside!”
Lucy added rhythmic gymnastics has improved her balance and coordination with her non-dominant left hand. Like many of her fellow gymnasts, Lucy takes pride in going on stage to show off all the impressive movements she can do, that come part and parcel with her competitive routines.
Shown here demonstrating a move from her favourite routine—one using a hula hoop—restaurant hostess Krista Milne said she spent years developing her skills in rhythmic gymnastics. Also participating in golf and formally figure skating, the 39-year-old Surrey athlete first joined Special Olympics British Columbia when she was still in high school. Krista stayed due to the love she has for dancing, and the friends she made in Special Olympics.
Perhaps similar to a younger Krista herself is Lexie Leong, who is only going into Grade 10 in September, right after her appearance at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Despite performing in front of a large crowd, Lexie said she didn’t feel nervous at all, and was spending time with her parents who travelled all the way from Vancouver to watch her compete.
“I’m done all the routines,” she added, “now I have to get some medals!”
While most rhythmic gymnastics are female, it is a co-ed sport as “long time” Special Olympics British Columbia athlete Anthony Moncur can attest. Adding that he fits right in on the mostly female team, Anthony said his two favourite routines involve the stick and rings: two pieces of equipment unique to male gymnasts’ dances. Also a curler within Special Olympics, Anthony said he loves the music gymnasts like him perform their routines to, because “it’s easy listening.”