Throughout his three decades of involvement with Special Olympics, SOBC – Comox Valley coach and Local Coordinator Randy James has enjoyed the empowering role of coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities. He feels the experience of seeing his athletes grow and reach their goals is extremely rewarding for him.
James is one of 50 coaches on the Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Training Squad. They are currently hard at work in their communities, helping athletes train for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada National Winter Games. This will be the eighth time James has coached Special Olympics Team BC at National Games, and he is a dedicated coach of the Vipers floor hockey team.
James says one of the floor hockey team’s big goals is to win gold, after winning silver at the past two National Games. They look to build on their previous successes and make that extra leap as a team.
“Our athletes are excited about the prospect of competing in Calgary. They are focused, determined, and proud to represent B.C. at the 2024 National Winter Games,” he says.
Read more about James in his SO Team BC 2024 profile
In addition to coaching multiple sports, James is also the hardworking SOBC – Comox Valley Local Coordinator, and he makes a difference with SOBC’s school sport competition programs. SOBC works with school districts around the province to provide sport training, competitions, and events for high school student-athletes with intellectual disabilities. James is the lead organizer of the annual SOBC School Sports Vancouver Island 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, where schools across B.C. come together for a day of hoops, inclusion, and fun!
“Too often, Special Olympics athletes are marginalized. They don’t receive the same opportunities as individuals without intellectual disabilities. So this event allows them to showcase their ability in sport, play as a member of a team, and wear their school colours with pride,” James says.
Learn more about SOBC school sport programs
Special Olympics BC is so grateful to Randy and the thousands of dedicated coaches who go above and beyond to enrich the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sport!