What We Do
Through the power and joy of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Special Olympics athletes find joy, confidence, and fulfillment - on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
Since 1980, Special Olympics BC has been committed to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and, in turn, the lives of their family members, friends and everyone they’ve touched. Today Special Olympics BC provides high-quality year-round sport programs and competitions that help people with intellectual disabilities celebrate personal achievement and gain confidence, skills, and friendships. There are now more than 3,200 Special Olympics athletes of all ages and a wide range of ability levels participating in year-round programs in 55 communities around BC, supported by more than 1,800 dedicated volunteers.
Special Olympics BC offers opportunities to train and compete in 18 sports through year-round programs and local, provincial, national, and international competitions. Through these sports, the athletes gain more than just physical benefits from improved health and athletic abilities. Through their participation, they develop social skills and friendships while experiencing the joy of achieving goals and increasing their self-esteem.
- Games and Competitions Special Olympics has a four-year competition cycle for summer and winter sports, giving athletes the chance to compete regionally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
- Sports and Programs Special Olympics BC offers summer and winter sports for ages eight and up, youth programs for ages two to 18, Athlete Leadership opportunities, and health programs.
- Safe Sport Special Olympics BC recognizes our responsibility to prioritize creating a safe sport environment free of abuse, harassment, or discrimination for all participants, including athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, and administrators
- Changing Attitudes Special Olympics is humanity’s greatest classroom, where lessons of ability, acceptance and inclusion are illuminated on fields of play by our greatest teachers – the athletes.
- Awards Special Olympics BC is honoured to recognize the exceptional contributions and achievements of Special Olympics BC athletes, volunteers, and sponsors through our annual awards!
- Hall of Fame The Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame recognizes significant, long-lasting contributions that individuals and groups have made to Special Olympics BC.