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.
In 2000, 30 years after we opened our doors, Special Olympics BC established the Hall of Fame to pay tribute to those who helped lay the foundation for the organization's success.
SOBC’s President & CEO Dan Howe has been involved with the organization since its inception. He said in the early 1980s; they heard from critics that sport was too stressful and the rules were too complex for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Others doubted Special Olympics BC would be successful. However, as they so often do, the athletes of Special Olympics proved them wrong.
“Given the opportunity to train and compete with great coaches, in a supportive environment, athletes enthusiastically accepted the challenge and never looked back,” Howe said. “Not only have these athletes proven that they can handle the stress of competition, but they also won the admiration of many with their inspirational efforts, dedication, outstanding performances, and love of sport.”
He said it was only fitting that the work of some of those athletes, volunteers, and sponsors who help break down those barriers be honoured. The SOBC Hall of Fame recognizes significant, long-lasting contributions that individuals and groups have made to our movement. Induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates the most outstanding achievements and contributions and is one of the highest honours bestowed within the organization.
Individuals are inducted under three categories: Athlete, Sponsor, and Builder (Local and Provincial).
In 2000, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna athlete Tracey Melesko was the first athlete to be inducted into the SOBC Hall of Fame.
Melesko competed in track and field in 1990, 1994, and 1998 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays, as well as in long jump. She earned gold medals in each of these National Games. Melesko also competed at the 1991 and 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games. In recognition of her outstanding athletic ability, Melesko was the first athlete with an intellectual disability to be carded by Sport Canada.
Joining Melesko at the first induction ceremony was Pam Sywulych, who entered the Hall in the Builder (Local) category. Sywulych joined SOBC in 1984, and her induction was the result of her unwavering belief in the value that Special Olympics BC programs provide to individuals with intellectual disabilities, and recognized the countless volunteer hours she gave to making Special
Olympics BC a vibrant, athlete-centred organization.
Sywulych was instrumental in initiating the development of Special Olympics BC programs in Port Alberni. When she later moved to Vancouver, Pam used her knowledge and experience to enhance SOBC – Vancouver programs.
Pam was also instrumental in developing the Special Olympics BC Athlete Speakers Bureau, a program that trains Special Olympics BC athletes to improve their public speaking and leadership skills so they can share their stories with potential athletes, volunteers, and donors and educate them about Special Olympics.
Bruce Jansen joined the inaugural class in 2000 under the Builder (Provincial) category.
As Chairperson of the Northern Interior Special Olympics Games in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bruce acquired knowledge and experience that was invaluable to the group that came together to establish Special Olympics BC in 1980. Bruce served on the Special Olympics BC Board of Directors from 1980 to 1988, holding many positions including Program Chair and President.
Former Vancouver Canucks player Dave “Tiger” Williams was the final inductee in the inaugural year, in the Sponsor category. Williams led a distinguished 14-year NHL career, averaging nearly 20 goals a year.
He founded and hosted the renowned Tiger Williams Golf Classic for more than 20 years, raising over $1.2 million for Special Olympics BC. He also served on Special Olympics BC’s Board of Directors, and on six different occasions served as either an Honorary Chairperson or Honorary Head Coach for Special Olympics teams competing in Provincial or National Games.
SOBC has continued to add to the Hall of Fame, adding nine new inductees in 2018.