Special Olympics BC’s Leadership Council provides vital guidance for our organization and movement, and SOBC benefits significantly from the efforts of these valued volunteers.
Comprised of the Regional Coordinators representing the eight SOBC Regions and respected leaders in the SOBC sport world, the Leadership Council serves as the link between community and regional programs and the Board of Directors of Special Olympics BC. This group is vital in crafting SOBC sport program development, strategic plans, policies, and resources.
The Leadership Council recently gave a warm welcome to two new members: Region 2 Coordinator Laura Murphy, and Region 4 Coordinator Kyle Warkentin!
Murphy has been involved with Special Olympics BC for two years. She first joined SOBC – Vernon as a curling coach, after being approached in the local curling club to ask if she would like to get involved. “Without hesitation I said, ‘I would love to be their coach,’” Murphy recalls.
Murphy quickly and generously moved to take on more responsibilities within her community and Region. She was a valued curling coach on the Region 2 team for the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games presented by Prospera Credit Union. She is now serving as a curling coach on the Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Training Squad.
“Every day I’m with the athletes is my favourite experience. Their sheer motivation and dedication is inspiring,” Murphy says.
“Being involved in Special Olympics is rewarding on all levels. [The involvement of volunteers] allows individuals with special needs the opportunity to be part of something amazing. With their support, it allows SOBC programs to run, which in turn allows athletes to reach their goals, whether it be to have fun, for fitness, or to compete. Being involved does make a difference.”
Warkentin first got involved in Special Olympics BC in Richmond, where he graciously stepped up to serve in a range of local and regional roles. Warkentin coached 10-pin bowling, assisted with bocce, and served as a Local Committee member. He also played a pivotal role with the Region 4 team for the 2023 SOBC Games as their Medical Liaison.
“I love what I do. Special Olympics BC has given athletes the ability to grow, love, laugh, and be free from the struggles our modern world still provides. Being a part of these athletes’ journeys has been a tremendous joyous feeling that I can’t stop smiling about. I recently attended the SOBC Games in Kamloops as the Region 4 medical liaison, and was absolutely awestruck by how talented our athletes are! I am very excited to be part of this journey, being an advocate, leader, and mentor for athletes now and into the future!”
Special Olympics BC sincerely thanks Warkentin, Murphy, and all the members of the Leadership Council for their life-changing dedication and valued insights!
Policy Corner
The Leadership Council plays an essential role in creating the policies that govern Special Olympics BC sports and operations. Policies can be created through issues brought forward by members from the local level speaking to their Regional Coordinators. Regional Coordinators bring the concepts to the Leadership Council for deliberations. Out of those discussions, the Leadership Council can recommend the creation of or changes to policies.
In addition, some SOBC policies are developed nationally by Special Olympics Canada in consultation with Chapters across the country, to make sure there are high-quality, safe, and consistent participant experiences in Special Olympics programs across Canada.
The Leadership Council develops provincial policies and changes, and provides insights on national policies and changes. After receiving the Leadership Council’s recommendations, the SOBC Board of Directors review and give final approval to policies.
The most recent changes to SOBC policies are as follows, as approved by the SOBC Board of Directors at their June 2023 meeting.
➡️ Updated pan-Canadian policy: Divisioning. This is an existing policy that was amended to allow provincial/territorial Chapters to use our discretion on whether to allow an athlete who has been disqualified in a divisioning event to continue participating in the provincial/territorial event in which they DQ'd. This will allow developing athletes the opportunity to learn from a DQ and still participate in the competition finals.
➡️ Updated pan-Canadian policy: Eligibility for Participation. This is an existing policy that was amended as the minimum ages for participation in National and World Games have been changed to align with the Athlete Identification for Competition Selection as set by SOI. This will allow an easy transition for athletes from Provincial through to World Games.
➡️ Updated SOBC policy: Athlete-to-Coach Radio. This is an existing policy that was amended to change the athlete-to-coach ratio for bocce, to bring it in line with other sports. The Leadership Council also wanted to add Fit Families & Friends to this policy, so that it was clear to Locals what the ratio should be for this program.
➡️ Updated SOBC policy: Coach Certification Requirements. This is an existing policy that was amended to add Safe Sport Training as a required course for our coaches at the Local level on through to National Games.
➡️ Updated SOBC policy: Competition and Practice Attire. This is an existing policy to which the Leadership Council recommended adding the cost limitation for Provincial Games walk-on uniforms that is outlined in the “Cost to Provincial and National Games” policy.
➡️ Updated SOBC policy: Costs to Provincial and National Games. Following the 2023 Provincial Games, a Local provided feedback that they would like for the policy to provide more information for budgeting and what they should expect to pay. After guidance from the Leadership Council volunteers, the policy was updated to include additional information that should better prepare Locals for what they can expect when planning for Games.
If you are an SOBC athlete, coach, or volunteer who would like to raise an issue with a policy, please contact your Regional Coordinator. If you do not have their direct contact details, please contact your Region's Community Development Coordinator or info@specialolympics.bc.ca for assistance.