In Special Olympics BC – Burnaby’s year-round programs, athletes Mary Armstrong and Artisia Wong have found a passion for curling, developed pinpoint-perfect skills, and formed lifelong friendships in an inclusive community.
“It makes a huge impact on your life. It boosted my confidence, like talking to people,” Wong says.
Special Olympics BC offers year-round programs in 55 communities across the province. There are more than 3,200 Special Olympics BC athletes of all ages, from two to 90-plus, and a wide range of abilities. Joining the athletes are inspirational coaches and volunteers who believe in the power of sport to build inclusion and belonging.
"Our daughter has an intellectual disability and my husband thought Special Olympics would be a good fit for her. And it was absolutely the best thing we have ever done, not just for our daughter but for us as well," coach Debra Colvin says.
The hard work of Armstrong and Wong alongside the support of dedicated volunteer coaches like Debra Colvin and Paul Silcox helped the athletes and their teammates to achieve significant milestones at the 2024 Special Olympics National Winter Games in Calgary.
“I think it’s a phenomenal program that encourages people to get out, become athletes, and get involved,” Silcox says.
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Watch the full story in Special Olympics BC’s new video by our friends at Oh Boy Productions: