“Being Indigenous is cool,” says Special Olympics BC – Richmond athlete Ryan Stewart. 

Stewart was first introduced to Special Olympics BC when a friend got him involved. As a dedicated athlete and team player, he participates in many sports including floor hockey, basketball, softball, and bocce.

Stewart said his favourite Special Olympics memory to date is playing floor hockey for Team BC in the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Newfoundland. 

Stewart is also the winner of the 2015 SOBC Spirit of Sport Award. 

“At floor hockey, Ryan works hard and tries to improve his personal best each time,” his nominators wrote. “He is enthusiastic and hardworking. Ryan has increased his stamina and strength, and that has supported his efforts in all sports.”

As a dedicated volunteer and advocate, Stewart has helped out at many Special Olympics fundraising and awareness events, served as an active leader within his Local, and assisted the SOBC – Richmond FUNdamentals program as an athlete volunteer. 

Stewart also spends his time working at a daycare in Richmond, as well as for the Richmond Sockeyes Junior “B” hockey team.

Stewart loves that Special Olympics helps him stay active also he also values the opportunity it provides him to make new friends. 

He encourages others to get involved so they can “make new friends and get exercise!"

In Indigenous History Month, and always, we honour the achievements and strength of Indigenous Nations and the members of the Special Olympics BC community with Indigenous heritage.