As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics this year, we are taking a look back at the #50moments that have defined the Special Olympics movement here in B.C. and throughout the world.
For almost as long as Special Olympics BC has existed, both the Government of B.C. and the Government of Canada have been key supporters of our programs and movement. Their long-standing and vital support has allowed SOBC to grow and develop, reaching more communities and offering empowering experiences and opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The provincial government has recognized the importance of Special Olympics BC since the early days of its existence, naming SOBC to B.C.’s Council for Disabled Sports in 1983, and proclaiming March 1986 as the month of Special Olympics BC.
The Government of British Columbia has also been a longstanding financial supporter of Special Olympics BC, and in August 2011 they announced a generous gift of $1 million to Special Olympics BC.
This funding supported B.C.’s hosting of the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, and helped SOBC build programs and competitions for British Columbians with intellectual disabilities to improve their health and fitness; create programs for Special Olympics athletes such as Healthy Athletes; and support the development of a stronger network of families and supporters to further empower athletes.
Pictured at right: SOBC athletes were joined by Minister Ida Chong, MLAs Margaret MacDiarmid and Harry Bloy, SOBC Board of Directors member Michael Campbell, and 2014 Games Chair Cathy Priestner Allinger to announce their $1 million funding commitment in August 2011.
"I am proud of our continuing support of Special Olympics BC, and of athletes who dedicate themselves to personal excellence. Organizations like Special Olympics BC help everyone be more open, inclusive, and accepting. This is the true power of sport in action,” said former Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong in August 2011.
The Government of Canada has been a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Canada since 1995, helping develop new and existing sport programs and competitive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province. Without this funding, we could not offer the full range of opportunities that make such a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes and their families.
Funding from the federal government helps support training and travel expenses for athletes representing British Columbia at national competitions, as well as SOBC Athlete Leadership programs, Leadership Summits, and Coaching Summits. These important opportunities help bring our community together to learn from each other and come away with new tools and ideas.
In February 2018, the Government of Canada approved an incremental $16 million of funding for Special Olympics Canada over the next five years, plus $2 million per year ongoing. This represents an increase of $6 million from the previous budget and will make a big difference for Special Olympics athletes across the country, helping break down barriers and build more inclusive communities throughout Canada.
“This commitment will allow Special Olympics Canada and our twelve provincial and territorial Chapters to extend our reach to even more Canadians with an intellectual disability,” said Sharon Bollenbach, CEO of Special Olympics Canada.
These significant moments of support have and will continue to shape the Special Olympics movement in B.C., helping establish SOBC as an important part of the sport landscape in British Columbia and forever changing the way people see athletes with intellectual disabilities.
SOBC is extremely grateful to the Government of B.C. and the Government of Canada. If you have a moment, please thank your local MLA and Member of Parliament for this support as it truly makes a difference.