Special Olympics BC – Richmond’s Sandra Malku is a hardworking athlete who says her favourite thing about SOBC is spending time with the great people in her Local.

“The coaches are really nice and the players do a great job at playing the sports! They make it fun!” she says.

Malku said she had a great time competing as a member of SOBC – Richmond’s basketball team at the 2017 SOBC Summer Games in Kamloops this month. Malku and her teammates finished in fourth place in their division. She says they had a lot of fun, played strong defense, and did a wonderful job of supporting each other on the court.

“Whenever a player had the ball we would cheer that person on!” she said.

Along with basketball, Malku participates in Club Fit, floor hockey, softball, and soccer through SOBC – Richmond. She says her favourite sport is floor hockey because she loves watching NHL games and is a big fan of the Vancouver Canucks. She won gold medals in the sport competing with the SOBC – Vancouver team in the 2015 SOBC Winter Games and 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

Malku says being an SOBC athlete has helped her develop social skills. When she joined Special Olympics, she was very shy and didn’t talk much with the other athletes. Now, Malku says she can still be shy, but she is more confident and better at meeting new people.

“I make a lot of good friends and that is why I play sports!” she says.

SOBC – Richmond Local Coordinator Lisa Jamieson says Malku is one of her Local’s “unsung heroes” and she inspires others with her positive attitude and strong work ethic.

“Sandra is liked by everyone – athletes, volunteers, and coaches. Everyone comments on how kind she is to others, plus her cheerful and helpful nature,” Jamieson says.

Outside of SOBC, Malku likes to listen to music and read books. She works washing dishes at her family’s restaurant, Pita Wrap Cafe, and says it feels good to help her parents.

Going forward, Malku wants to encourage more athletes to join up with SOBC – Richmond so she can meet new people and the Local’s sports teams can be as strong as possible.