We're thrilled to introduce you to some of Special Olympics BC's inspiring athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors!
Stories
![Ariel Taylor self portrait](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-06/ArielTaylor_SOTeamBC2024_0.jpg?itok=zwy-zXDw)
Ariel Taylor has been making lasting friendships and memorable moments with Special Olympics BC for over 17 years. She first got involved in...
![Peter holding a thumbs up with fellow athlete](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-06/PeterDeMarchi_SOTeamCanada2023.jpg?itok=h6GzksH6)
Special Olympics BC – Burnaby coach Peter De Marchi believes in the transformative power of sport. In his 14 years as a coach for SOBC, he has seen...
![SOBC curling athletes group photo with Government of Canada sponsor sign](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-06/SOBCRegionalQualifiersSuperSummer_Mar2022_3.jpg?itok=YHLes8nk)
The Government of Canada is a vital supporter of Special Olympics Canada and Special Olympics BC, providing significant funds to develop new and...
![Jennifer smiling with medal around her neck with other people smiling beside her](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-05/vicPD-PolarPlunge2023%281%29_Cropped.png?itok=0FSPIeOn)
"Special Olympics has given me confidence in myself. I'm not so shy – it has helped me gain friendship and made me believe in myself,” says Special...
![Jennifer Knoll headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-05/JenniferKnoll_SOTeamBC2024-min_0.jpg?itok=A9CEf2jx)
Coaching for Special Olympics is the best thing that SOBC – Port Alberni’s Jennifer Knoll feels she has ever done. She has been involved with SOBC for...
![Ted Hirst and SOBC athlete smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2023-05/GoldcorpInvitational2016_Event_14.jpg?itok=KttWimaA)
For more than 15 years, Canaccord Genuity has been a dedicated sponsor of Special Olympics BC, making a difference for athletes with intellectual...
![Hazen Meade self-portrait](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-04/HazenMeade_SOTeamBC2024.jpg?itok=ejpJ2666)
Hazen Meade is a longtime athlete who embodies the determination and strength of the Special Olympics movement! Involved since 1996, Meade has racked...
![Laura Murphy self-portrait](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-04/LauraMurphy_SOTeamBC2024.jpg?itok=V_9BkFjX)
Special Olympics – Vernon coach Laura Murphy has quickly embraced the inclusivity and empowerment of Special Olympics. Involved for over two years...
![Ron raising one arm while holding his medal in the other](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-03/RonGreenhorn_SOTeamBC2024.jpg?itok=txSe5yYu)
Special Olympics has played an instrumental part in Ron Greenhorn’s life for over 30 years. The SOBC – Nanaimo athlete has competed in multiple sports...
![Brendan Turner self-portrait](/sites/default/files/styles/_120px_by_135px_/public/2024-03/BrendanTurner_SOTeamBC2024_0.jpg?itok=6TDJnxyg)
SOBC – Mission’s Brendan Turner has been involved with Special Olympics for over two years and has quickly made an inspiring impact to the athletes he...