Too often individuals with intellectual disabilities are forgotten, marginalized, and disrespected, even today. In Special Olympics, athletes and their supporters open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sport programs, empowering competitions, and inclusive awareness initiatives.
Our amazing athletes need the help of young people who want to change the world and create a more inclusive future.
In 2021-22, Special Olympics British Columbia ran our third Youth Engagement Project, collaborating with young changemakers ages 16 to 29 to address the need for greater inclusion and respect for people with intellectual disabilities in communities across B.C.
Participants create resources, support, and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities throughout the province. Their sport and awareness initiatives lead to so many positive benefits in their communities and province-wide.
The SOBC Youth Engagement Project is funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada Service Corps program.
The inspiring members of Special Olympics BC’s Youth Engagement Project open hearts and minds around the province. Throughout their communities, they increase inclusion, change attitudes about the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and give Special Olympics BC athletes opportunities to help lead the way to a better world. They create opportunities for fellow young people to volunteer and learn, and work with their SOBC Local Committees in their efforts to make a difference.
-Megan Owens, member of the inaugural SOBC Youth Engagement Project
We are so proud to work with these thoughtful, passionate, interesting young people, and so grateful for all their efforts to create inclusion and awareness for Special Olympics athletes!
