Special Olympics BC – Kamloops founder Marilyn McLean will be permanently honoured for her impact in the world of sport at the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame Banquet in April.
McLean will join three others in the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame, as well-known trainer and equipment manager Gregory “Spike” Wallace, Olympic shot putter Dylan Armstrong and the late George Farquharson, the father of F-Class target shooting, will also be inducted.
McLean said she was surprised to get the phone with the news she was being inducted into the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame.
“Special Olympics has been a part of my life for many years,” McLean said. “I was thrilled with the news because it raises the profile of Special Olympics in Kamloops. It is a nod to all of the amazing volunteers, coaches, and athletes that put in countless hours to make the programs a success. This award is really about all of those incredible people.”
McLean says she never stops to think of accolades or recognition. She said she simply enjoys the process of keeping programs going in the Kamloops.
“Being given the award means that Kamloops is an inclusive community that values sports training and competition for all athletes,” McLean said.
She said she wanted to take the chance to offer a heartfelt thank you to the Kamloops Hall of Fame selection committee and to the incredible volunteers, coaches, athletes, and parents.
“Without them, Special Olympics wouldn’t be possible,” McLean said.
The induction ceremony will take place April 28 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre.
The new inductees will join 105 athletes, coaches, and builders who have been inducted into the Hall in the past 28 years.
Below is the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame selection committee’s description of why McLean was honoured:
“Marilyn McLean’s passion for Special Olympics began in Washington State before getting married and moving to Kamloops in 1978. She became a driving force behind the movement, wearing many hats at various levels of the program, from coaching to administration.
“McLean’s leadership role in the founding group of SOBC led to the incorporation of the organization in addition to overseeing the Kamloops chapter. Through her tireless efforts, Special Olympic athletes have the opportunity to participate and compete. They experience achievement, empowerment, friendship, joy and ultimately pride. The KSHF is proud to welcome a woman who is very special in her own way, Marilyn McLean who has also been inducted into the SOBC Hall of Fame."