The theme of the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games is "Pure Heart." Meet a few of the many members of the Special Olympics Team BC 2020 Training Squad who are demonstrating pure heart and inspiring determination in their training for the National Games!

With his outstanding dedication to his training and positive spirit, Special Olympics Team BC 2020 Training Squad cross country skier Roy Stephens has been a source of inspiration for both his coaches and his teammates. In his training this summer, Stephens has been an enthusiastic participant in the twice-weekly cross country skiing team dryland training sessions in Kelowna. And he’s gone above and beyond, logging extra kilometres of hiking with significant elevation gains outside of the team training, and getting out to walk regularly. 

Even before he qualified for the Team BC Training Squad, the Special Olympics BC – Kelowna athlete decided to dedicate himself to cross country skiing, and overcame uncertainties to become an enthusiastic skier and a successful racer. At the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games, Stephens’ dedication paid off when he earned one gold, one silver, and one bronze in the races in Greater Vernon. 

As a Team BC Training Squad athlete, Stephens has made sacrifices and taken initiative to achieve extra training time. He has ensured that he has additional time with support workers to help him in his physical activity and training, and that his work schedule accommodates his training sessions. Stephens and his girlfriend Maria Schmitke both qualified to be Team BC Training Squad cross country skiers, and are dedicating themselves to training and health together.

Stephens says he is excited to be part of Team BC and represent his province at the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. His goal is to have fun and do his best in Thunder Bay! 

Learn more about Stephens and Special Olympics Team BC 2020 at www.soteambc2020.ca