BC Special Olympics

Photo Credit BC Special Olympics

Sportswave continues to focus on the promotion of various sports and in doing so we want to focus on our new weekend feature where we expand our focus on a sport that seldom gets any promotion from major markets.

We are expanding our focus to cover Special Olympic Saturday and over the past while we have  covered various events held by the BC Special Olympics in both Delta and Richmond.

I have contacted Michael Obendoerfer, SOBC Digital Marketing Coordinator and when a press release is sent out as well as getting our own articles we will be posting them up every Saturday.

Please feel free to not only pass this on but also support the BC Special Olympics in all areas of British Columbia.

Enjoy the read!!

More than 500 athletes from across the province can’t wait to come together in Kamloops for the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games presented by Prospera Credit Union. 

Running February 2 to 4, these will be SOBC’s first Provincial Games in four years, and a powerful opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to step into the spotlight, reconnect with friends, and be celebrated for their abilities.

“In the pandemic, it was hard, and I could not see all my friends. It made me sad inside. I’m glad I’m back in session, hanging out with my friends and going back to my sports. I’m excited to be going to the Provincial Games in Kamloops, because I made it for curling.

I cheered for myself up and down, I was shocked I got accepted, I was shocked and proud!” says Special Olympics BC athlete Bridget Colvin.

The 2023 Special Olympics BC Games athletes will give their all in the eight SOBC winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

Athletes earned their spots in these Provincial Games through their performances in Regional Qualifiers held from January to May 2022. 

They are currently training hard in the year-round Special Olympics programs in their communities, getting ready to pursue personal bests in Kamloops and compete for the chance to qualify for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.

 Find 2023 SOBC Games team rosters

 “The 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games will be an incredible opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to show their skills, compete with pride, and develop meaningful friendships,” says SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe. “We are so grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and supporters who are helping athletes achieve their dreams.”

 Members of the public can make a difference for deserving Special Olympics BC athletes by getting involved in rewarding roles in the year-round Special Olympics programs in their communities, and by donating to help make the empowering SOBC Games experience possible.

Supporters can find 2023 SOBC Winter Games stories, photos, and more at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca

We are very grateful to our valued SOBC Games sponsors and provincial sponsors!

Up next  

• February 3 to 5: Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut

Tim Hortons is bringing back their treat that changes lives and builds inclusion. When supporters buy this delicious donut, 100% of the proceeds go directly to local Special Olympics community programs, supporting more than 41,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Canada. Learn more at www.specialolympics.bc.ca/tim-hortons

• February 18 to March 5: Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC

Participants can #Plunge4SOBC at in-person events or get cold and creative at home! Presented in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOBC, this frigid and fun event raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics BC. Learn more and register at www.plunge4specialolympics.com  

About the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games

Set to be held in Kamloops from February 2 to 4, the 2023 SOBC Winter Games will star approximately 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing with pride in the eight SOBC winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating. 

The participating athletes will be supported by approximately 150 volunteer coaches and mission staff. SOBC will need the support of approximately 800 valued local volunteers to put on this empowering competition. 

Find registration opportunities and full details at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca

About Special Olympics BC

Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport. 

In 55 communities around the province, we provide year-round training and competitive opportunities in 18 different sports to more than 5,200 athletes of all ages and a wide range of abilities, thanks to the dedicated efforts of over 4,300 volunteers. 

For more information, please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca and find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Flickr @specialolympicsbc and Twitter @sobcsociety. 

To learn more about SOBC – Kamloops, visit www.sobckamloops.org or find them on Facebook.

Media contact

Michael Obendoerfer, SOBC Digital Marketing Coordinator

E: michaelo@specialolympics.bc.ca  C: 604-737-3131

Special Olympics British Columbia

210-3701 Hastings St., Burnaby, B.C., V5C 2H6

Cell 604 737 3131