Ariel Taylor has been making lasting friendships and memorable moments with Special Olympics BC for over 17 years. She first got involved in basketball and at the time, she did not know much about sports in general. Now, she is involved in multiple sports, including 5-pin bowling, bocce, soccer, and snowshoeing!
Taylor’s incredible sport efforts propelled her to compete at the national level many times. She has been part of Special Olympics Team BC in 2014, 2020, and most recently in 2024, where she showcased her amazing abilities in snowshoeing at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024!
She joined 14 other athletes on the snowshoeing team in Calgary. Through many months of training, Taylor’s hard work paid off on the snowshoeing course. She won one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal!
“I enjoyed meeting and competing alongside other athletes from across Canada,” Taylor says. “The best part of the competition was making new friends and winning medals.”
Learn more about SO Team BC 2024
For Taylor, Special Olympics is a place where she can grow as an athlete and a person.
“Competing alongside my friends and fellow athletes makes me feel happy and proud,” Ariel said. “I love to have fun and laugh with my friends. Special Olympics is a big part of my life.”
With Special Olympics BC, athletes with intellectual disabilities find belonging, inclusion, and empowerment through sport. You can get involved today as an athlete, volunteer, or coach in our life-changing year-round programs!
“Before I became a Special Olympics athlete, I knew very little about sports. Special Olympics has given me many new opportunities. I have tried new sports, won medals, met new people, and made lasting friendships,” Taylor says.