Get ready to cheer loud and proud! From March 8 to 15, hardworking members of Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 from British Columbia will compete with pride at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. This global event will unite more than 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations, competing in eight sports and providing a true celebration of inclusion, acceptance, and unity.
SO Team Canada 2025 alpine skiing coach Saige Beaumont from Special Olympics BC – Revelstoke is already anticipating the exciting competition and emotional moments.
“I’m such a crier, so catch me crying in Italy for sure,” says Beaumont. “It’s like watching your family members accomplish something great! Everyone really helps motivate each other and it’s so heartwarming to watch and experience.”
Special Olympics BC has 22 athletes and 16 coaches and mission staff on Special Olympics Team Canada 2025. These deserving athletes and coaches earned their spots based on their amazing efforts and performances at the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
Meet the SO Team Canada 2025 Members
Every member of SO Team BC 2024’s alpine skiing team is on Special Olympics Team Canada 2025, a testament to the skill and dedication of the athletes and outstanding support from their SOBC coaches, mission staff, and communities. “For all of us to be able to share this experience is so exciting,” says Beaumont. “I think it really shows what an amazing crew of athletes and coaches we have.”
This will be Beaumont’s first time at a Special Olympics World Games. She’s excited to share this experience with a group of people she has come to care so much about.
“I’m so proud of all of our athletes, I know how hard they all work and have such great attitudes no matter how they place.”
Beaumont’s journey began through her work with 16-year-old alpine skier Yorke Parkin, a talented Special Olympics athlete from Revelstoke. Now, Beaumont will coach and cheer him on in Italy, in addition to Parkin’s family from New Zealand and Canada who will fly over and support him as he achieves incredible feats on the slopes.
After turning heads at the qualifying 2024 Special Olympics Canada Games, Parkin is looking forward to representing Special Olympics Team Canada and reflects on his favourite moments from the qualifiers.
“My best moments were when my teammates were doubting themselves and their abilities to get on the podium at the Canada Games, but then I gave them my insight of the course and how to ski it to the best of their abilities, and they made it on the podium,” he says.
Parkin has a message of encouragement for anyone following his first World Games journey: “Never give up and keep on trying.”
B.C. will also be represented by experienced athletes, including Special Olympics BC – Surrey athlete Marc Theriault who will compete in figure skating. Theriault has been involved with Special Olympics since 1995 and has eight World Games appearances under his belt. Inducted into the Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame in 2008, he made history as the first Special Olympics athlete in the province to win gold medals at four different World Games across three sports.
Kelsey Wyse, a multi-sport competitor from Special Olympics BC – Kelowna and also a Special Olympics BC Hall of Famer, will compete in cross-country skiing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. This will be her third sport at the international level.
“Being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada means a lot to me,” says Wyse. “I am most excited to cheer my team on and to get faster in the 2.5km and 500m cross country skiing races.”
“I have been so lucky to have so many amazing coaches who helped me to be a better athlete and person.”
SO Team Canada 2025 alpine skier Erin Thom has also had a long and impressive journey, starting with Special Olympics BC – Kimberley/Cranbrook in 1992. She made her World Games debut in 1997 and has since won medals at every World Games she has attended.
“Special Olympics has taught me to believe in myself and others,” says Thom.
In recognition of her incredible athletic talents, Thom was awarded the Special Olympics BC Athletic Achievement Award in 2013.
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin will feature the iconic Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg. Law enforcement officers, known as the Guardians of the Flame, carry the Special Olympics Torch through communities to the Opening Ceremony.
Port Moody Police Department Deputy Chief Constable Leslie Ogston (Stevens) will proudly represent B.C. in the 2025 World Games Final Leg. A Law Enforcement Torch Run champion, she also is on Special Olympics BC’s Board of Directors and is the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Provincial Director.
Special Olympics BC is fortunate to have so many champions represent B.C. and Canada. Joining the snowshoeing team is seasoned coach Maureen Hunter, a longtime national and global leader in Special Olympics snowshoeing. She has provided foundational guidance for the sport and was inducted into the Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame as a Local Builder, having been a founding member of Special Olympics – Campbell River.
“My goal is to support the members of my team to have the best possible experience,” she says.
Hunter has been involved as a volunteer and coach for more than 40 years. “Being a member of Team Canada is an honour. I know I have earned this opportunity, but I still feel very fortunate to be afforded this opportunity again.”
As athletes and coaches come together, they often form bonds that feel like family. These two B.C. families are taking that sentiment to heart, making incredible waves with SO Team Canada 2025!
The Stanley family is a perfect example, as Special Olympics BC – Kelowna cross-country skiing coach Annabel Stanley and her son, cross country skiing athlete Francis Stanley, prepare to give it their all in Italy.
“I am incredibly proud to lead the cross country team as Head Coach,” says Annabel Stanley. “My goal is to make sure athletes all achieve their personal best and have fun getting there.”
Francis Stanley is an incredibly talented athlete, having reached the podium at regional, national, and global levels. He was the 2022 recipient of Special Olympics BC’s Athletic Achievement Award and SOC Athlete of the Year, and says he’s proud of what he’s accomplished in his athletic career.
“Skiing is life,” Stanley says. “It has given me healthy lifestyle choices and many friends across the world.”
The Wilkinsons are also gearing up to take Turin by storm, with David, Ty, and Tony Wilkinson all representing Special Olympics Team Canada. Tony Wilkinson competes in snowshoeing, while his brother, Ty Wilkinson, coaches cross-country skiing and their parent, David Wilkinson, coaches snowshoeing. Together, they each play a crucial role in the team's success.
Join Special Olympics BC in cheering on Special Olympics Team Canada! Each athlete has demonstrated incredible dedication and skill, pushing themselves to new heights as they prepare for the 2025 World Winter Games.
Meet B.C. Team Canada 2025 Training Squad Members
Learn more about the 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games