More than 500 athletes from across the province are grateful and thrilled to be together in Kamloops for the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games presented by Prospera Credit Union. Running February 2 to 4, these are SOBC’s first Provincial Games in four years, and a powerful opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to step into the spotlight, reconnect with friends, and be celebrated for their abilities.
“I’m incredibly excited,” Special Olympics BC – Vancouver athlete Daniel Thomas said before the Opening Ceremony on Feb 2. “I’m looking really forward to meeting new athletes from across the province and getting to compete with them. I’m beyond thankful to be here, and extremely happy.
"They’re the first set of Games since the pandemic hit, and just to be able to have this return to normalcy, return to life once again, I’m just ecstatic. I’m having trouble describing just how over the moon I am that they’re coming back.”
The 2023 Special Olympics BC Games athletes are giving their all in the eight SOBC winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.
Hundreds of Kamloops volunteers have stepped up in a huge way, filling all the necessary roles to provide an outstanding experience for the Special Olympics BC Games participants. Special Olympics BC is so grateful for the tremendous volunteer response, which is so characteristic of the Kamloops community. Now everyone is invited to fill the stands for the athletes and give them a Canada’s Tournament Capital welcome!
In Kamloops, members of the public can cheer on the athletes in competition all day February 3 and 4 at venues throughout Kamloops. Admission is free and no tickets required for most events – all are welcome to come out and support these deserving and excited athletes! Find SOBC Games venues and schedules on the Games homepage.
Fans from all over can follow the action with livestreaming, photos, and social media!
Athletes earned their spots in these Provincial Games through their performances in Regional Qualifiers held from January to May 2022. They trained hard in the year-round Special Olympics programs in their communities, in order to be ready to pursue personal bests in Kamloops and compete for the chance to qualify for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.
Find the 2023 SOBC Winter Games schedules, team rosters, media coverage, and more at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca
Supporters of Special Olympics athletes also have delicious way to make a difference by heading to Tim Hortons February 3 to 5 for the limited-edition Special Olympics Donut! One hundred per cent of the proceeds will support more than 41,000 Special Olympics athletes in communities across Canada. Learn more