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Competitors chasing spots in the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games!
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As part of the Special Olympics Games cycle, Special Olympics BC Locals and Regions around the province host Regional Qualifiers, where athletes compete for the chance to advance to the next Provincial Games.

In 2022, winter-sport Regional Qualifiers were hosted around the province, for athletes trying to qualify for the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games! All events followed SOBC's strong Return to Sport safety protocols.

Read the Regional Qualifier recap

Register for SOBC programs

Find Regional Qualifier photos

 

Qualifier dates and details:

5-Pin Bowling

Alpine skiing

Cross country skiing & snowshoeing

Curling

Figure Skating

Floor Hockey

Speed skating

 

When do we find out who qualified for the 2023 SOBC Winter Games?

This year's Regional Qualifiers ended on May 13. Once all the qualifiers wrapped up, for all Regions, the number of spots given to each Regional team were calculated. These numbers are based on the participation in the Regional Qualifiers.

Each Regional team will soon begin their selection and endorsement process.

Get excited for team announcements later in 2022! 

This process is the same as in years past.

Find the SOBC sport policies on competition selection and endorsement

 

For more information, please contact:

competition@specialolympics.bc.ca

 

Media coverage:

Athlete Reporters Miranda Orth and David Johnston on the return to in-person sports and competitions

"WITHOUT THE IN-PERSON PROGRAMS, WHEN WE DIDN'T HAVE THEM BECAUSE OF COVID GOING ON, I FELT SORT OF DISAPPOINTED REALLY, BECAUSE IT'S OUR LIFE, IT'S FUN, WE LOVE TO DO IT. WE GO TO COMPETITIONS FOR IT."

Revelstoke Review on young alpine skier Yorke Parkin and his journey

“I love watching him ski,” his mother says. “He couldn’t walk until he was two, he couldn’t even move at 18 months. To see him go this far and then go to compete and actually do this well, it’s like ‘oh my god.’ ”His dad and I are very proud.”

Burns Lake Lakes District News on Danny Tress competing in the SOBC Snowshoeing Regional Qualifier

"It’s a great way to make new friends and just to have fun. I love meeting all the amazing athletes at these races.”

-Athlete Danny Tress

Quesnel Cariboo Observer on the Region 8 5-Pin Regional Qualifier

"Coach Ellen Martz said the athletes who went were 'beyond excited' to get back to competition."

Prince George Citizen on the Curling Regional Qualifier for Regions 7 & 8

"Everybody had a great time reconnecting and getting back into some competition.”

-Coach Fern Russell

The Cranbrook Daily Townsman and Golden Star reported on their local athletes' successes at the SOBC Cross Country Skiing Regional Qualifier

"Golden has been well represented by these hard working and respectful athletes and we should all be proud of them."

Richmond News photos from the Region 4 Floor Hockey Regional Qualifier

 

For competition organizers:

Regional Qualifier hosting resources

2022 SOBC competitions are generously supported by provincial partners, including