As the next step in the Special Olympics BC Return to Sport Plan, figure skating, speed skating, and swimming are entering the Pilot Program phase. Several Locals around the province have stepped up to run pilot programs in these sports as soon as their local facilities allow. 

We would like to take a moment to thank and celebrate all the athletes, coaches, and volunteers who have worked so hard to help reach this point. This includes all the pilot program participants, whose feedback and dedication are essential to make sure the appropriate protocols are in place to safely reopen these sports, and all of the Local Committee volunteers and coaches who are working so hard right now on their plans to reopen the four sports currently at Level 1.

Full SOBC Return to Sport Plan and resources

To date, more than 100 coaches and volunteers in our current Level 1 sports (athletics, bocce, golf, and Club Fit) have completed the required SOBC Return to Sport training. Huge thanks to all those who have participated in training and spread the word about the webinars. Please check the SOBC Return to Sport website for details on upcoming events.

These have been challenging times for every member of our society. The fact that we are able to reopen any in-person opportunities at all is a cause for celebration. We want to thank everyone who is making this possible, and providing invaluable feedback on the plans and protocols.

We know there are not yet as many in-person opportunities as athletes need – not nearly enough. But some, safely, is better than none. And work on the remaining sports and programs continues. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, we can promise you that the necessary work behind the scenes is always in motion around the province. The safe return to sport is our absolute priority. 

We also encourage you to talk with your coaches about their comfort levels. If they are interested in returning to sports but there are other issues, SOBC staff are here to help work through those other issues. Coach feedback on the entire picture is so important right now; we are hearing a lot of it and getting so much value from it.

We realize the Earth keeps turning and shortening the days, and rainy season will be coming as always. We are aware the current outdoor sports may not be able to run as long as anyone would like. But something is better than nothing. In the meantime, we remain hard at work on the safety protocols for additional sports. 

Recapping SOBC’s current Return to Sport status:

• Athletics, bocce, golf, and outdoor Club Fit are at Level 1, available to be offered by Locals around the province, once they receive approval from SOBC.
• Figure skating, speed skating, and swimming are entering the Pilot Program phase.

Locals have also done an amazing job since March of offering virtual opportunities where possible. Upcoming virtual options include, but are not limited to:

• Coaches will have access to multi-week SOBC virtual program outlines to lead sport-specific training through virtual connections. More will be announced next week, with information to be shared in the SOBC Return to Sport Coach and Volunteer Town Halls on September 8 and 10.
• Coaches can connect with athletes virtually to offer support of at-home training using the SOBC Basic Sport Skills tools, which focus on developing the fundamental skills for each SOBC sport. There are PDF packages online for every sport, and several videos to help athletes with at-home skill training; videos in additional sports will be released in the coming weeks. 
• Locals can continue to offer the Virtual Fit Families & Friends program. Fit Families & Friends has typically been a summer program, to offer activity options during the summer program hiatus – but as we all know, there’s nothing typical about the current circumstances, so Locals are welcome to keep offering this virtual program as an additional opportunity for physical activity and virtual connections.
• Volunteers and coaches can connect with athletes to encourage participation in the SOBC Super September calendar of daily at-home workouts and wellness activities. 

Please continue to check the SOBC website for opportunities and Return to Sport Plan updates and resources.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to covid@specialolympics.bc.ca or any SOBC staff member with any questions and feedback.