We are thrilled to announce and congratulate the 2023 nominees for Special Olympics BC’s annual provincial awards! These athletes, coaches, and volunteers have shown incredible dedication and have been recognized by their peers for their brilliant accomplishments, attitudes, and contributions to Special Olympics. They are truly inspiring individuals.
Please join us in congratulating all of this year’s inspiring nominees! Read about their accomplishments highlighted by their nominators:
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Ariel Taylor, Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 14 years
- Competed in the 2014 and 2020 National Games
- Participates in seven sports
Ashley Adie, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 17 years
- Competed in 2018 and 2020 National Games
- Participates in six sports
Jason Mills, Special Olympics BC – Nanaimo
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 13 years
- Participates in three sports
- A supportive teammate for all athletes
Jesse Frigon, Special Olympics BC – Summerland
- Has been an athlete for 18 years
- Participates in bowling and t-ball
- Always comes to practices ready and prepared
Jonathan Robins, Special Olympics BC – Creston
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 25 years
- Competed at 2013 and 2017 World Games
- Participates in Club Fit, curling, 5-pin bowling, bocce
Nicky Chow, Special Olympics BC – Richmond
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 16 years
- Competed at 2016 and 2020 National Games
- Participates in three sports
Sebastian Gylander, Special Olympics BC – Golden
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 10 years
- Competed at 2020 National Games
- Participates in three sports
Torben Schuffert, Special Olympics BC – Smithers
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 11 years
- Competed at 2016 and 2020 National Games
- Participates in five sports
GRASSROOTS COACH AWARD
Adam Warren, Special Olympics BC – Richmond
- Has been an SOBC coach for 14 years
- Head coach for softball and floor hockey
- Has coached five volunteers into assistant coaches
- Joined committee in 2015 and has been an athlete mentor since
Avery Sikkes, Special Olympics BC – Elk Valley
- Has been an SOBC coach for four years
- Assistant coach for swimming
- Instrumental in growing the swim club from two members to 10
Jacky Sheng, Special Olympics BC – Nanaimo
- Has been an SOBC coach for 21 years
- Head coach for 5-pin bowling, assistant coach for athletics and Club Fit
- Looks to boost athletes’ self-esteem and confidence
Kevin Phillips, Special Olympics BC – Kimberley/Cranbrook
- Has been an SOBC coach for six years
- Head coach for cross country skiing team
- Arranged pole walking for his athletes during the offseason
Kyla Roberts, Special Olympics BC – Summerland
- Has been an SOBC coach for 10 years
- Head coach for swimming and t-ball
- Always encourages athletes to push themselves
- Final year with SOBC
Les Andrykew, Special Olympics BC – Kamloops
- Has been an SOBC coach for six years
- Head coach for basketball and soccer
- Strong supporter of athletes physical and mental health
Sandra Schuffert, Special Olympics BC – Smithers
- Has been an SOBC coach for seven years
- Head coach for snowshoeing and assistant coach for aquatics
- Sets personal and physical goals for each athlete she coaches
Terry Kratzman, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- Has been an SOBC coach for six years
- Head coach for the curling team
- Offers extra skill development workshops for all his athletes
Valerie Beebe, Special Olympics BC – Chilliwack
- Has been an SOBC athlete for six years
- Head coach for the golf team
- Looks to create connections deeper than just sports
HOWARD CARTER AWARD
Gale Jones, Special Olympics BC – Smithers
- Has been an SOBC coach for 10 years
- Head coach for aquatics and Club Fit
- Coached at the 2018 National Games
Tracy Fleming, Special Olympics BC – Summerland
- Has been an SOBC coach for 20 years
- Head coach for 5-pin bowling
- Coached at 2018 National Games
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Aaron Gelowitz, Special Olympics BC – Chilliwack
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for five years
- Is the fundraising coordinator for SOBC – Chilliwack
- Spearheaded 50/50 fundraiser for first time
- Seeks time to connect with athletes to encourage and support them
Cheryl Clay, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for 11 years
- Ensures that each athlete is registered
- Coordinates and coaches the curling program
- Takes time to help other areas such as fundraising
Christine Rak, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for 17 years
- Has been treasurer for five years
- Filled in as athletics coach when needed
Ivy-Lynne Stein, Special Olympics BC – Kimberley/Cranbrook
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for 11 years
- Provides wide-ranging skills and support
- Big recruiter of volunteers and athletes
Kailee Bowman, Special Olympics BC – Victoria
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for 13 years
- Supervises all head coaches and sports managers
- Volunteers at events when needed to give athletes opportunities
Phoebe Lau, Special Olympics BC – Richmond
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for 14 years
- Develops youth sports programs
- Stepped up as a coach in the 2013 and 2017 Summer Games
Shawn Carter, Special Olympics BC – Summerland
- Has been an SOBC volunteer for seven years
- Treasurer – handles financial matters
- Stepped in as a basketball coach for two years
SPIRIT OF SPORT AWARD
Betty Coleman, Special Olympics BC – Chilliwack
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 41 years
- Active participant in many Out of Sport opportunities the Local attends
- Great role model through SOBC and outside volunteer work
Bill Polz, Special Olympics BC – Nanaimo
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 30 years
- Competes in bowling and golf
- Supportive teammate who is always willing to help
Christopher Lakusta, Special Olympics BC – Langley
- Has been an SOBC athlete for eight years
- Is Vice-Chair on his athlete’s council
- Is an athlete speaker and speaks at many SOBC - Langley events
Claire Lemaire, Special Olympics BC – Creston
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 12 years
- Is a Health Messenger and Athlete Representative
- Is a natural leader who always encourages her peers
Claudia Spies, Special Olympics BC – Summerland
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 18 years
- Active member in multiple fundraising efforts
- Always has infectious positive energy
Drew Sabourin, Special Olympics BC – Victoria
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 20 years
- Has volunteered at multiple SOBC events
- Acts as an encouraging mentor to other athletes
Kaylee Richter, Special Olympics BC – Smithers
- Has been an SOBC athlete for seven years
- Is the Health Messenger for her Local
- Takes on a leadership role and encourages other athletes
Rob McLean, Special Olympics BC – Kamloops
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 19 years
- Great leader with exceptional caregiver abilities
- Very friendly with a positive mindset at all times
Ryan Stewart, Special Olympics BC – Richmond
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 18 years
- Has been an Athlete Representative and Athlete Speaker
- Created a partnership between his Local and the West Richmond Community Centre
Sean Beddows, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 25 years
- Actively helps at fundraising events
- Always encouraging and cheering on other athletes
Terrance Poirier, Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam
- Is in their first year as an SOBC athlete
- Acts as a mentor and helps athletes that may be struggling
- Always has a positive mindset and is ready to participate
Tyler Kent, Special Olympics BC – Quesnel
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 11 years
- Has a very positive attitude at all times
- Has grown from disinterested to engaged and motivated
BC LETR AWARD
Cst. Azad Vizheh, North Vancouver RCMP
- Has been involved in the LETR for four years
- Has coordinated LETR events at his detachment in 2021 and 2022
- Selected to attend the LETR International Conference in Texas in 2022
Det/Cst. Cam Mackay, Vancouver Police Department
- Has been involved in the LETR for 10 years
- Has played a leading role in the VPD’s Torch Run and Polar Plunge events over the years
- Instrumental in VPD’s Club Fit program
Cst. Dan Galano, Victoria Police Department
- Has been involved in the LETR for five years
- Has sat on the organizing committee for the Torch Run and the Polar Plunge events in Greater Victoria over the past two years
- Has independently raised over $18,000 for Special Olympics BC
Officer Josh Burneau, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement
- Has been involved in the LETR for six years
- Helps organize the Polar Plunge in Kamloops every year
- Ensures that athletes are included in all LETR events
Sgt. Michelle Luca, Ridge Meadows RCMP
- Has been involved in the LETR for approximately 10 years
- One of the lead event coordinator for the Polar Plunge and Torch Run in Ridge Meadows
- Has helped raise over $13,000 for SOBC in the past year
Heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving nominees! Winners will receive their awards in their communities in spring 2023. SOBC looks forward to honouring all the deserving winners and nominees in a virtual awards ceremony in early fall 2023, kicking off the next sport season with an inspiring celebration! Stay tuned for details!