Special Olympics is more than a program, it not only shows the talent of the individuals, but showcases that they have the ability to do what they set their mind on.

Now we are hearing that the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games will be hosted in the Greater Vernon area.

It will showcase more than 800 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout BC and the Yukon in which athletes will be competing in eight sports.

The 2019 Provincial Games will be the largest SOBC Winter Games ever held and it is noted that it will showcase a Special Olympics Canada winter-sport called competition cycle.

The participating athletes will be supported by more than 250 volunteer coaches and mission staff.

The 2019 SOBC Games location was made official in the Vernon Recreation Centre, in an event with remarks from SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe, City of Vernon Mayor Akbul Mund, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Chair Juliette Cunningham, School District 22 Board Chair Kelly Smith, and SOBC – Vernon athlete Justin Sigal.

Provincial Games are exciting and empowering experiences for Special Olympics athletes.

For many, these Games offer their first opportunity to have the joy of travelling and being part of a team.

The dedicated competitors will be shooting for personal-best performances, and they will also be chasing the opportunity to advance to national and international levels of competition.

Top performers in Greater Vernon will qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, which is the qualifier for the 2021 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Greater Vernon is already home to outstanding Special Olympics athletes, volunteers, and programs, as SOBC – Vernon runs 16 year-round sport, youth, and fitness programs, but this will be the first time that SOBC Provincial Games have been hosted here.

“In Special Olympics BC Games, the competitors showcase their talents and the true power and joy of sport, and they open hearts and minds to the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, changing the way the world sees this population that is still too often forgotten or excluded, “Howe mentioned at the announcement.

“For me, being part of Special Olympics means inclusiveness, teamwork, friendship, travel opportunities, working hard, being committed, dedication, and having fun,” said SOBC – Vernon athlete Sigal, who medalled in cross country skiing in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games and currently also participates in alpine skiing.

“We are very honoured to be chosen as the host community for the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games.

We have a strong volunteer base for hosting games within Greater Vernon over the past years. Special Olympics is an integral part not only for the participants, but the parents and coaches who dedicate countless hours to provide competition for athletes who otherwise may not have the opportunity to excel at the sport they love,” Mayor Mund said.

“The joy of sports experienced in Special Olympics empowers the participants to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all,” Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Chair Cunningham said.

The Board Chair stated “School District No. 22 looks forward to opening our schools to the athletes and coaches as a place to unwind, and focus on their competition along with the dedication shown by the competitors mirrors the dedication of many of our students, and we hope the energy of our students will be felt in the halls of our schools and transfer to the performance of the athletes at the Games.”

In 2019, the SOBC Games Opening Ceremony will be held February 21st and will be followed by competition throughout February 22nd and 23rd.

A Closing Ceremony open only to Games competitors will be held on February 23, followed by a volunteer recognition breakfast on February 24.

More than 1,000 volunteers will be needed to help stage this inspiring event. Volunteer registration details and Games venues will be announced in the weeks to come.

One move will see 5-pin bowling move from the summer games and will now move to the winter games, joining alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

Learn more at www.specialolympics.bc.ca and find SOBC on Facebook and Instagram @specialolympicsbc and Twitter @sobcsociety; the Games hashtags will be #SOBCGames #GreaterVernon2019.

Sportswave is proud to support the BC Special Olympics Program and wish all competitors much success.