For Special Olympics BC's 22 dedicated members of Special Olympics Team Canada, the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin were the culmination of years of hard work and training in the year-round programs in their communities across the province. From June 17 to 25, they showed their skills and heart on the biggest stage in the Special Olympics movement. After all their dedication, they were more than ready to shine!

More than 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners participated in the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games, coming together from 190 Special Olympics programs from all parts of the planet. They showed we are #UnbeatableTogether!

For #SOTeamCanada23 bocce player Wayne Gowanlock of Special Olympics BC – Elk Valley, these World Summer Games were not only his first in 25 years as an SOBC athlete – they also represented his first time travelling outside of Canada!

“My proudest moment was being selected to represent Canada,” he says.

These were the first Special Olympics World Games hosted since 2019, and Special Olympics Team Canada's 89 athletes and 49 coaches and mission staff marked a triumphant return to the international stage. In Berlin, Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 earned 46 gold medals, 20 silver, and 30 bronze, while achieving many personal bests and displaying outstanding sportsmanship.

"I'm thrilled to congratulate all the members of Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 on their many accomplishments in Berlin, and also through their dedicated training in their year-round local Special Olympics programs along the way to these World Games," says Lois McNary, SOBC Vice President, Sport. "We sincerely thank all the supporters and families who passionately backed Special Olympics Team Canada! We also recognize and appreciate all the hardworking members and supporters of life-changing Special Olympics community programs around the province and across the country, where athletes with intellectual disabilities train tirelessly to pursue their sport passions and find empowering friendships and skill development."

Congratulations #SOTeamCanada23, we are so proud of all of you! Please scroll down to admire the results by SOBC's members of Special Olympics Team Canada, and please click here to learn how you can join our joyful movement!

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Basketball

Prince George athlete Malachy Stewart says at first it felt strange to join the men’s basketball team, since it was full of players he’d never met before. But it didn’t take long for them to come together on the court, and soon they were exchanging contact information and developing custom handshakes. 

“I was a little nervous. These are top-line players – what's gonna happen? But instantly, it was like I was just right there. It was like we were brothers at first sight,” Stewart said. “There's no friction or anything. There are no disagreements in any way, shape or form. It's like just perfect. And we all get along.”

“Basketball is a beautiful game when the five players on the court all play with one heartbeat,” says women’s basketball athlete, Tyra Flukinger of Kamloops.

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Bocce

Head Coach David Wilkinson of Kelowna says the athletes all worked hard and their skills progressed nicely. The challenge now was to take their training and preparation and use it to compete at their best. 

“The goal is to enjoy the moment and look around to have the best experience possible at Games, be supportive of each other and the entire Team Canada, be respectful and demonstrate true, good sportsmanlike conduct at all times – win or lose – and represent Canada in a way that the rest of the world will respect,” he says.

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Rhythmic gymnastics

North Vancouver’s Jodi Klukas worked hard in her training on her flexibility and balance, and as a result, her routines became more grounded and fluid.

“Jodi loves to perform for an audience and puts a lot of effort into walking on and off the floor with confidence. With her increased fitness since November, her jumps and leaps are stronger and more stable,” says Head Coach Jennifer Fyfe of Vancouver.

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Opening Ceremony

Watch the replay of the Opening Ceremony speeches and performances thanks to ESPN!

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