Special Olympics Canada Site
Team BC bowling medallist Jade smiling

We are so grateful to all the members of the Special Olympics BC community who have worked so hard to stay active, connected, and positive through this unique year! Let's take a look back by the numbers.

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119 in-person programs reopened with SOBC Return to Sport protocols
1000 athletes engaged in virtual health events
“There is an opportunity to interact with athletes and teachers/coaches that the athletes really crave right now. There is a chance to learn something new. … There are no geographical barriers.”

SOBC – Smithers snowshoeing coach and parent Sandra Schuffert
5800 Estimated reach of the Sports Celebrities Festival presented by Wheaton Precious Metals
11th Spread the Word>>Inclusion awareness day marked by champions province-wide
A swimmer, powerlifter, and bowler competing in 2020 Regional Qualifiers
152 athlete leaders involved in provincial presentations, events, and training
2441 Average reach of SOBC's Facebook Live shows offering connections and conversations
“In Special Olympics, I have made so many new friends and connected with so many people. Before Special Olympics, I was left out, like many people with Intellectual disabilities. and that’s why Special Olympics is so important, because not only do athletes have a great time competing and playing their sports, they can have a sense of belonging and know that they matter, connect with other people, and fit in!”

SOBC – Surrey athlete Susan Wang in the Sports Celebrities Festival presented by Wheaton Precious Metals
13,983 views of the athlete health resources page on the SOBC website
$171,000+ raised by the New Car Dealers Foundation / SOBC Auction
Youth Engagement Project volunteers and Team BC athlete Matthew in February 2020
58 athletes challenged themselves in SOBC’s first virtual competition
“I love how close these results are! We can still be competitive while being apart. While closing your eyes, it’s easy to imagine these races and competitions in your head.”

SOBC – Nanaimo coach Angela Behn
192 volunteers making a difference in vital leadership roles
307 B.C. provincial election candidates challenged to end the health inequality faced by people with intellectual disabilities
Special Olympics Team BC 2020 athletes in February 2020
143 Team BC athletes earned 145 medals and countless personal bests
“I felt very happy competing. I had to train hard for the Games, and I lost a lot of weight to be ready for the competition. I feel very proud of what I accomplished."

Team BC curler Theo Jack of the SOBC – Kitimat Kingfishers
$107,000+ donated by sponsors and supporters of the Newmont Invitational Golf Tournament
5 Special Olympics BC awards presented to deserving athletes, coaches, and volunteers
Health events and challenges 2020
27 Youth Engagement Project volunteers created resources and inclusion for athletes with the support of the Government of Canada
15 athletes trained as Special Olympics Health Messengers
“I want to encourage all the athletes to stay active and eat healthy so they can enjoy their best lives. I want everyone to do their best every day and in competition.”

Tony Wilkinson, SOBC – Kelowna athlete and Health Messenger
40 years of the Special Olympics movement changing lives in B.C.
5700 kilometres clocked by participants in the first Virtual Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOBC
Photos from the SOBC Return to Sport and Virtual Sports Celebrities Festival
1 Special Olympics Canada Athlete of the Year award winner from SOBC
“I was really thankful that my first year of high school when I was 13 I found Special Olympics, because it really helped reignite the love and passion for sports. It really helped me deal with all the difficulties I had in my life, and it was a place where I felt accepted.”

National Athlete of the Year Matthew Williams of SOBC – Langley
23 Coach Development Webinars offered for coaches to share expertise and build skills
102 athletes and supporters stayed active in Virtual Fit Families & Friends
1 pandemic we will get through together. Our connections will sustain us today, tomorrow, and forever.
“To everyone involved with Special Olympics BC: try and stay positive, stay together, stay positive – we’re B.C. tough, we’re going to get through it. Hard times don’t last, strong people do.”

BC Lions running back Jamel Lyles

Special Olympics BC is forever grateful to the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, sponsors, and supporters who have been such an inspiration through this unique year. Thank you for showing so much dedication to this remarkable community, and for working so hard to stay connected and active together! 

The above are just a few of this year's many inspiring stories and achievements by members of the SOBC family. Please click here to read more in our monthly e-newsletters, and to subscribe if you do not currently receive the e-newsletter directly.

Special Olympics BC's empowering programs and opportunities would not be possible without the ongoing generosity and dedication of our provincial sponsors, donors, and champions. This year more so than ever, they have gone above and beyond to help Special Olympics BC enrich the lives of athletes and strengthen communities across the province.

Our heartfelt thanks to:

Special Olympics BC Corporate Partners and Fundraising Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Olympics Canada National Partners

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2020 Grants and Foundations supporting SOBC

  • Canucks for Kids Fund
  • Andrew Mahon Foundation
  • First West Foundation
  • The Greygates Foundation
  • GoodLife Kids Foundation
  • Hamber Foundation
  • Lewis Family Fund
  • The Sandbox Project
112 SOBC Virtual Snowflake Social participants shared inspiring year-end messages for everyone in the SOBC community
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