A hardworking and conscientious athlete, Special Olympics BC – Richmond’s Matthew Lai always tries his best and cheers on his teammates. Lai is a strong role model and the deserving winner of SOBC’s 2018 Spirit of Sport Award.
Lai constantly impresses SOBC – Richmond coaches and volunteers with his love of sport and commitment to training. A Special Olympics BC athlete of more than 17 years, Lai has participated in many sports, including 5-pin bowling, athletics, Club Fit, and figure skating. In all his sports, he works hard to perform at a high level and set personal bests, but takes setbacks with a smile and is always a good sport.
A friendly and compassionate person, Lai makes an effort to ensure others feel welcome. He is always ready to support his Local, and is consistently one of the first people to offer to help out at SOBC – Richmond events.
“Matthew is always seen cheering someone on with a huge smile on his face. He talks to everyone and compliments them on a job well done. Matthew will partner up with anyone and ensure they have a great time in whatever sport or event he is at,” his nominators wrote.
A graceful and impressive figure skater, Lai sets a strong example for other athletes on the ice. A highly dedicated athlete, he has worked hard to develop his skills, and improvements he has made to his conditioning have led to strong results in the rink and on the track.
Thank you, Matthew, for inspiring others through your remarkable sportsmanship and work ethic!
Special Olympics BC sincerely congratulates all of the other nominees for the 2018 Spirit of Sport Award:
- Jason Pappas, SOBC – Grand Forks
- Michaela Robinson, SOBC – Surrey
- Adrian Rosen, SOBC – Prince George
- Kendall Salanski, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook
- Pauline Shaw, SOBC – Victoria
- Brad Smith, SOBC – Delta
Past Spirit of Sport Award recipients:
- Kelsey Thomson, SOBC – Richmond (2017)
- Simone Myers, SOBC – Port Alberni (2016)
- Ryan Stewart, SOBC – Richmond (2015)
- Barbie Conway, SOBC – Prince George (2014)
- Danny Tress, SOBC – Burns Lake (2013)
- Billy Peterson, SOBC – North Shore (2012)
- Ron Greenhorn, SOBC – Nanaimo (2011)
- Dallas Stager, SOBC – Vancouver (2010)
- Walter and Danny Dion, SOBC – Campbell River (2009)
- Tanya McIntosh, SOBC – Kelowna (2008)
- Katarina Gerhardt, SOBC – Kelowna (2007)
- Jan Mareels, SOBC – Vancouver (2006)
- Keith McPhail, SOBC – Victoria (2005)
- Janet Robertson, SOBC – Powell River (2004)
- Paul Aubuchon, SOBC – Campbell River (2003)
- Sherry Rempel, SOBC – Prince George (2002)
- Rob Misjak, SOBC – North Shore (2002)
- Krista Meldrum, SOBC – Campbell River (2001)
- Scott Ellison, SOBC – Richmond (2001)
- Marie Putnam, SOBC – Vancouver (2000)
- Cal Brandolini, SOBC – North Shore (2000)
- Carrie Poulin, SOBC – Nelson (1999)
- Mathew Brewer, SOBC – Prince George (1999)
- Jane Murray, SOBC – Coquitlam (1998)
- Marc Theriault, SOBC – Surrey (1998)
- Graeme MacKinnon, SOBC – Burnaby (1997)
- Barb Scrutton, SOBC – Coquitlam (1996)
- Barry Creasy, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook (1996)