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.
In addition to our sport programs, Special Olympics BC offers youth programs tailored for children and youth with intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 18. We also provide game-changing health programming including the Club Fit physical training program. Beyond the fields of play, we offer empowering Athlete Leadership programs and strive to change attitudes to increase inclusion and respect of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds toward people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all across British Columbia.