Special Olympics BC – Burns Lake Local Coordinator Gloria Brown says the most rewarding thing about volunteering with SOBC is getting to know the fantastic athletes.

Brown is part of a dedicated team of SOBC – Burns Lake volunteers who work hard to provide athletes with opportunities to enrich their lives through sport. A hard-working volunteer, Brown is always ready to step up and help out her Local in any way she can, including organizing fundraisers, recruiting volunteers, and helping establish new sport programs.

When did you start with Special Olympics, and how did you get involved?

I first became involved when I was working one-on-one with some of the athletes while I was volunteering with bowling.

In 2014 or 2015, I went to a Local Committee meeting where I was asked to become the Local Coordinator. At that time we had Tina Giesbrecht as Secretary and snowshoeing coach. I also recruited a Treasurer and a Program Coordinator.

We started bocce in 2016 with Tina as the coach and I helped out as an assistant coach. I began working toward my coach’s certification. Tina and I also started our Club Fit program together.

What is your favourite thing about being involved with SOBC?

The best thing about Special Olympics is the smiles and watching the athletes shine and improve in their sports.

What would you like others to know about SOBC – Burns Lake?

We are looking to expand our sports to include curling in 2019.