Everyone deserves the opportunities to build confidence, overcome challenges, and be celebrated. Everyone deserves to belong. But too often, Canadians with intellectual disabilities are left out – on playgrounds, from the workforce, from conversations. Together, we can build stronger and more inclusive communities where everyone belongs.
From July 15 to 21, the Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion celebrates the difference we make when we #ChooseToInclude. To celebrate, SOBC Athlete Reporters shared why inclusion is important, and how Special Olympics BC programs have created inclusion in their communities.
Athlete Reporter David Johnston, SOBC – Dawson Creek
From Dawson Creek, Athlete Reporter David Johnston shared how Special Olympics BC Athlete Leadership programs made him feel included. "[Special Olympics] accepts me no matter what disability I have."
Athlete Reporter Jake Miller, SOBC – Trail
From SOBC – Trail, Athlete Reporter Jake Miller reflects on why Special Olympics BC programs are important for athletes with intellectual disabilities. "It makes me feel like I belong."
Athlete Reporter Micheal Oswald, SOBC – Sunshine Coast
The following article was written by author and Athlete Reporter Micheal Oswald from SOBC – Sunshine Coast.
I’ve heard it asked, “Why is inclusion important?”
Well, let me answer…
My employment history in my mid 20’s was shoddy at best. This is due to many factors; chief among them was the assumption I would be able to complete said tasks without any assistance.
I would try my best to do a job but soon, I would become irritable and walk away if I needed help and I could not acquire any.
As I bettered myself and was able to connect with Community Living BC, under their programs I was able to have a support worker who agreed to not only find me reasonable employment but to assist me in the tasks. Now, this is not to say that the support worker did all the work for me. In actuality, the worker shared the load equally with me, allowing for me to discover I thrived in the workplace.
My first support worker, Jonathin Martin, believed in me having steady jobs and worked with me to find them. We approached Mental Health Services via their work program. Through Keith Donkersloot, I found gainful employment first at the hospital, picking up litter on the grounds. I was so successful that within two weeks of being there I received a two dollar wage increase.
Next, Jonathin and I began volunteering at our local SPCA and ReStore. It wasn’t long until Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living approached us and asked if I’d be interested in washing the fleet of vehicles they use to transport clients. I said, "of course!"
I now work at several different jobs. I have a new support worker who has been by my side faithfully for going on 7-8 years named Richard Borthwick. Together we wash cars twice a week, pick up trash, work at All for Pets and Quality Garden & Pet, deliver the Coast Reporter newspaper weekly ,walk a dog and volunteer at the local SPCA.
And the very paper I deliver, I also pen a monthly column for detailing and highlighting Special Olympics in my community.
So you see, inclusion is DEFINITELY a must. My workplaces understand I can be diligent in my duties yet need a helper to slightly lighten the load. They accept Richard and I as a “package deal” to quote Mr. Borthwick. Because of this I have had income and most importantly purpose.
Athlete Reporter Paige Norton, SOBC – Abbotsford
Athlete Reporter Paige Norton from SOBC – Abbotsford, together with her athletics teammates, filmed a heartwarming and lighthearted message in support of the 2024 Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion!
Athlete Reporter Torben Schuffert, SOBC – Smithers
The following story was written by Smither's Torben Schuffert.
Last year, our Club Fit coaches helped us register for our local triathlon. We were three Special Olympics athletes competing in a sprint triathlon.
This year, we had four new athletes that wanted to participate.
I reached out and found two local athletes that formed a team with me, and my three friends made up the other team.
Here is a quote from Ali Howard. She is the race director for the Tyhee Lake Triathlon and she send this in her note after the race to the group:
"A few weeks ago, a program on CBC asked people what their favourite moment in Canadian sports is. Yes, our women's soccer team winning gold at the last Olympics was incredible, but watching regular folks come out to the Tyhee Lake Triathlon has to be one of mine. Whether you exceeded your expectations, pushed to your maximum capacity, or just went at a cruisy pace to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, I hope that you felt included and encouraged by your fellow athletes and our volunteers. Year after year I am inspired by everyone who makes it to the finish line, and this year was no exception as we welcomed our most diverse and largest field to date.
Best of luck to our Special Olympics athletes who participated today and are now heading to Maple Ridge for the BC Summer Games!"
I am so proud of my friends at Special Olympics and I am happy that my community sees us.
Here is my video that helped people in my community see us. Now they know we can do amazing things.
ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS GLOBAL WEEK OF INCLUSION
From July 15 to 21, 2024, join Special Olympics and help create a more inclusive world!
Learn more about the special olympics global week of inclusion
ABOUT SOBC ATHLETE LEADERSHIP
Athlete Reporters complete Athlete Leadership training to share stories from their communities. Training for this year has concluded, but there are more Athlete Leadership courses being planned in the new year!
Stay connected by visiting our website calendar and social media channels for upcoming opportunities!
Learn more about SOBC Athlete Leadership