Richmond Sockeye’s Honor Special Olympic Athlete’s

Sportswave is pleased to continue to promote our Saturday feature, entitled “Special Olympic’s Saturday” so as to add to the success of these incredible athletes.

Enjoy the read!!

With the way the world changes from day to day the Richmond Sockeyes of the PJHL were pleased to host members of the BC Special Olympics  to take part in the opening ceremonies.

The game was the final regular season home game of the 2022-23 season that featured volunteers for the Sockeyes each and every week who work tireless hours to assist any way they are able.

Along with my broadcast partner Ian Wilson we had the privilege to chat after the second period who graciously displayed their Bronze medals they won in Floor Hockey that had the games played in Kamloops.

Their trip was long as they left early on Thursday morning with the games officially being kicked-off with the attendance of all 500 competitors along with 100 volunteer coaches and staff.

In addition helping and donating their time were over 700 volunteers which ran from February 2nd to the 4th with athletes competing in eight sports.

As one might expect to compete you must have gone through rigorous training and given that this was the first games in four years it was no wonder why the Special Olympic Athletes were so excited to return to competition.

The 2023 Games Organizing Committee Chairperson Jan Antons mentioned “The event was absolutely amazing. Kamloops volunteers jumped in and pulled it off – and not only pulled it off but got amazing feedback that this was one of the best Games ever and to see the joy of the athletes and volunteers and everyone around was a really great experience.”

Chris Howell, the Cross Country skiing coach for Kamloops mentioned “It’s been fabulous and extremely thrilling to be here, thrilled to be with all the athletes. It’s been an amazing time here and the conditions have been incredible. … Everybody had fun, and everybody competed well and hopefully threw their best on the course.”

Cheryl Clay the curling coach for Special Olympics Campbell River mentioned “Thank you Kamloops volunteers, organizers, and sponsors for giving our athletes and coaches an incredible experience with amazing memories and we are so grateful for all that you’ve done to make these Games possible. Forever grateful!”

The 2023 SOBC Games from BC and Yukon athletes are the qualifier for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, which will be hosted in Calgary.

Stay tuned for future announcements of the members of the Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Training Squad!

At the closing ceremony for the 2023 SOBC Games; Special Olympics BC announced the host community for the 2025 Provincial Games will be the City of Prince George, which is the third time the community has hosted Provincial Games. 

Let’s not forget Special Olympics is a sport which athletes can compete year-round which leads to assist, grow and empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages in all 55 communities throughout the Province.

For additional information click the link and it will direct you to your community.

Thanks for spending time with Ian and I at the Richmond Sockeye’s game.

Congratulations to everyone and remember – EVERYONE WINS!!!!