Because of the ongoing health recommendations, and related facility closures, all Special Olympics BC programs, sport events, fundraising events, and face-to-face activities will be paused until May 30, 2020.

At this time, it’s also become clear that we need to cancel the remainder of the 2020 Regional Qualifier season. This is disappointing for everyone. But after discussing the feedback we have been receiving, it feels necessary to make this decision now. 

We don’t want anyone to feel anxiety about training for and organizing these important competitions, when we’re all compromised by a situation beyond anyone’s control. And in the reduced time available to us all, it won’t be possible to host and train for all the necessary competitions in a way that would be fair to everyone.

In fall 2020, we will announce the new selection process for the next Special Olympics BC Summer Games. We will be consulting widely in B.C. to discuss opportunities and possibilities, and we will stay aligned with other provincial and territorial Special Olympics Chapters.

We know the lack of access to in-person Special Olympics activities has an impact on us all. We miss seeing all of you! We miss knowing that you are out there enjoying your sports and community activities. But now there are many opportunities to find new ways to stay active at home, and new ways to connect with each other. These opportunities will be important for right now, and they will be improvements that will have a lasting benefit for us all. 

Special Olympics BC will be continuing the weekly spring at-home training and activity challenges, and we are working on resources to remotely deliver coach training and athlete sport skill support. Please check out our website page with tools to stay active, connected, positive, and informed. And please stay tuned to Special Olympics BC’s social media channels for upcoming resources, ideas, and for places to talk.

As before, all Special Olympics BC staff are currently working remotely, following public health recommendations. We all feel deeply committed to providing top-quality support and resources to all members of our community throughout this unique time. Please absolutely do not hesitate to contact staff with any questions whatsoever, and/or any ideas for how we can best support the SOBC community that inspires us all the time.

Special Olympics BC will continue to follow the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation daily, and will communicate further with members. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Lois McNary, SOBC Vice President, Sport, at lmcnary@specialolympics.bc.ca or 604-616-1341.