Celebrating the 2021 nominees and winners of SOBC’s annual provincial awards

We are delighted to congratulate this year’s nominees and winners of Special Olympics BC’s five annual provincial awards! These accomplished and inspiring athletes, coaches, and volunteers were nominated by their peers to recognize their outstanding achievements, spirit, and contributions to Special Olympics.

Please join us in congratulating all the deserving nominees!

Athletic Achievement:

Fiona Hall, Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam
- SOBC athlete for 28 years
- Qualified for the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad
- Lives and breathes improvement
Francis Stanley, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- SOBC athlete for 12 years
- SO Team Canada 2022 Training Squad member for cross country skiing
- Incredible ambassador for Special Olympics
Hazen Meade, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- SOBC athlete for 25 years
- Has earned 16 National Games and 2 World Games medals
- Dedicated and hardworking competitor
Shinji Matthews, Special Olympics BC – Kamloops
- SOBC athlete for 8 years
- Seen as a leader, both on the court and in the pool
- Swam to gold at the 2017 SOBC Summer Games
Susan Wang, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- SOBC athlete for 10 years
- Medallist in the 2016 SOC Games and 2017 World Games
- Known as a humble and passionate individual

Grassroots Coach:

Cheryl Clay, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- SOBC coach for 11 years
- Mentor who helps athletes build self-esteem and confidence
- Works with an individual’s strengths to help them develop
Ellen Martz, Special Olympics BC – Quesnel
- SOBC coach and volunteer for 27 years
- Excels at managing diverse personalities on a team
- Ensures each athlete has the opportunity to participate and excel
Kim Andrews, Special Olympics BC – Abbotsford
- SOBC coach and volunteer for 10 years
- Initiated weekly virtual bootcamp during COVID
- An enthusiastic, encouraging team player
Megan Owens, Special Olympics BC – Chilliwack
- SOBC coach for 5 years
- Mentored younger coaches and supported volunteers to start programs
- Advocate for inclusion and Special Olympics
Michael Riddalls, Special Olympics BC – Port Alberni
- SOBC coach for 5 years
- Goes above and beyond for athletes
- Welcoming, approachable, and encouraging
Rhonda Chandler, Special Olympics BC – Trail
- SOBC coach for 10 years
- Created connections and encouragement during COVID
- Ambassador for fundraising and fitness initiatives
Shayla McLean, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- SOBC coach for 4 years
- Continuously works to build relationships with athletes
- Skilled coach who makes everyone feel welcome
Susan Simmons, Special Olympics BC – Victoria
- SOBC coach for 9 years
- Adapts her coaching to each athlete’s needs and style
- Champion of inclusion within the community

Howard Carter:

Bryan LeBlanc, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- SOBC coach for 6 years
- Dedicated to program development and growth
- Leads by example
David Wilkinson, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- SOBC coach for 18 years
- Produces world-class athletes and teams
- Reliable, organized, and attentive to details
George Maclagan, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- SOBC coach for 12 years
- Has successfully coached athletes from grassroots to world competition
- Strong leader of coaching development seminars
Greg Ross, Special Olympics BC – Victoria
- SOBC coach for 6 years
- Inspires the best in every athlete
- Creates a true connection with each athlete
Randy James, Special Olympics BC – Comox Valley
- SOBC coach for over 25 years
- Empowers athletes to achieve their personal bests and goals
- Promotes healthy eating, nutrition, and fitness

President’s Award:

Jon Loong, Special Olympics BC – Richmond
- SOBC volunteer for 7 years
- Essential administrative leader
- Creates equity and inclusion throughout his work
Liz Riddalls, Special Olympics BC – Port Alberni
- SOBC volunteer for 5 years
- Vital fundraising leader for SOBC – Port Alberni
- Continued building skills and capacity during the pandemic
Marilyn Farquhar, Special Olympics BC – Langley
- SOBC volunteer for 33 years
- Served on Local Committee for 30 years
- Provides encouragement to athletes and coaches
Sue Foisy, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- SOBC volunteer for 11.5 years
- Has served with passion and skill in numerous leadership roles
- Mentors and empowers athletes to reach their goals

Spirit of Sport:

Betty Coleman, Special Olympics BC – Chilliwack
- SOBC athlete for 41 years
- Demonstrates continued dedication to Special Olympics
- Excellent role model at every practice and event
Chris Harrington, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- SOBC athlete for 13 years
- Regularly acts as a mentor to other athletes
- Advocates for fairness and equality
Dean Cake, Special Olympics BC – Quesnel
- SOBC athlete for 28 years
- Competed in 3 Provincial and 2 National Games
- Role model for hard work and determination
Dennis Monchamp, Special Olympics BC – Victoria
- SOBC athlete for 2 years
- Founding member of the Zoom Room exercise group
- Encourages and supports fellow athletes
Jake Miller, Special Olympics BC – Trail
- SOBC athlete for 10 years, and 2 previous years in Alberta
- Strong health advocate who leads by example
- Demonstrates constant commitment to sport, fitness, and fundraising
Kayley Olund-Rak, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- SOBC athlete for 17 years
- Active athlete leader and advocate for inclusion
- Mentors and encourages teammates and competitors alike
Sarah Riddalls, Special Olympics BC – Port Alberni
- SOBC athlete for 10 years
- Regularly motivates others to participate in activities
- Cheerful, encouraging, and empathetic
Tye Cranton, Special Olympics BC – Campbell River
- SOBC athlete for 10 years
- Makes personal connections with teammates and colleagues
- Encouraging, helpful, and always happy for his teammates
Vincent Li, Special Olympics BC – Richmond
- SOBC athlete for 16 years
- Active athlete leader in his Local and throughout his community
- Dedicated and passionate athlete

Learn more about SOBC's provincial awards