In 2014, Westminster Savings Credit Union (Westminster Savings) began their support of Special Olympics BC through contributions to Special Olympics BC community programs across the Lower Mainland. They have continued to support SOBC programs at the local level, and last year kicked off a three-year provincial partnership with Special Olympics BC to celebrate the power and joy of sport.
As part of this important partnership, Westminster Savings drafted 15 Team BC 2018 athletes from the Lower Mainland to the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, which took place in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from July 31 to August 4. Their support helped fund the athletes’ travel, accommodation, and competition costs.
“Our life-changing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities could not exist without the support of community partners,” said Dan Howe, President & CEO, Special Olympics BC. “We are so grateful to Westminster Savings for giving athletes the empowering experience of representing their province, travelling and competing with their teams, and achieving their goals at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.”
Through their partnership, Westminster Savings also serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Vancouver Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC. This fun and frigid fundraiser sees law enforcement members, local celebrities, and Special Olympics athletes plunge into the icy waters off Kitsilano Beach in March. Westminster Savings’ support helped the 2018 event raise a record-breaking $95,000 to support SOBC programs, helping change lives through the power and joy of sport.
“At Westminster Savings, we know that active living provides numerous health benefits that enrich the lives and wellbeing of individuals and our communities. We are honoured to support Special Olympics BC as they help local athletes gain confidence, skills and friendships through sport,” Westminster Savings President and CEO Gavin Toy said.
Westminster Savings has also helped share Special Olympics BC stories by spotlighting SOBC – Burnaby athlete Artisia Wong and SOBC – Langley coach Rob Martel in two inspiring Community Partner Profile videos, which are featured below.
In addition, the credit union’s generous support will help SOBC athletes and coaches attend upcoming Performance Camps, which provide valuable opportunities to learn from sport experts and enhance athletic and coaching skills. Performance Camp attendees then bring their knowledge back to their communities, helping to elevate the performance of all athletes across Special Olympics BC.
Westminster Savings has gone above and beyond by becoming an active supporter of additional events benefitting SOBC. They were part of this year’s Goldcorp Invitational Golf Tournament, competed as a team at motionball Marathon of Sport, and generously donated prizes to the New Car Dealers / Special Olympics BC Auction.
We are incredibly grateful to Westminster Savings for being a dedicated supporter of Special Olympics BC. Their energy and commitment has helped change and enrich lives across the province, and we look forward to continuing our work together.