Special Olympics BC – Surrey athlete Susan Wang is the newest member of the SOBC Board of Directors.

At SOBC’s September 2018 AGM, Wang's appointment to the Board also saw Randy Smallwood of Wheaton Precious Metals returning as Chair, and Ted Hirst of Canaccord Genuity resuming his role as Vice Chair. Pamela Keith of Dueck Auto Group is Past Chair, and Money Talks host Michael Campbell and Colin Yakashiro of Grant Thornton will continue to serve as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

Wang takes over for SOBC – Richmond athlete Vincent Li. Dan Howe, CEO of SOBC, said he is grateful for Vincent's contributions and looks forward to working with Susan.

"It's important that our athletes have a strong voice on the Board of Directors and Susan, as did Vincent, brings great insight and passion to the role," Howe said.

Wang said she had a wide range of emotions following her appointment to the board.

“I was so excited, a little nervous, happy, and a bit surprised,” said Wang, a member of Special Olympics Team Canada 2017 who won a bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

Wang, who was also awarded the Spirit of Canada 150 Award in August of 2017 as part of the Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations, said while she sometimes has a hard time opening up, she’s looking forward to the opportunity to advance the interests of her fellow athletes and improve on her communication and leadership skills.

“It would be great if SOBC could get more volunteers and coaches for our programs, and possibly make more sports available,” she said.

As well as adding Wang, Special Olympics BC welcomed back Directors Brent Bergeron, Michael Coyle, Grenville Finch-Noyes, Peter C. Kalbfleisch, Richard J. Lucy, Colin MacKinnon, Eamonn Percy, and Patty Wheeldon.

Howe said Special Olympics BC is very grateful to have outstanding leadership and support from our Board of Directors. The CEO said he appreciates their contributions and dedication to ensuring the ongoing quality and value of the organization.

“Our sincere thanks to all of the members of the Board of Directors who so generously share their time and expertise to strengthen our movement,” Howe said.