What an amazing day of golf, empowerment, and inspiration at the 2024 Special Olympics BC Classic! The first-class fundraising golf tournament made its anticipated return on June 13 at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, where golfers enjoyed a brilliant day of sunshine, play, and celebration of Special Olympics athletes.
The 2024 event was a success once again, as it showcased the genuine commitment of the community to celebrate Special Olympics athletes and build inclusion.
Members of the Queens of the Green golf team said, “We love hearing the athletes talk about their experiences… it’s our favourite golf event, and it’s just lovely to help out those that may be forgotten. It really gives community to them.”
The evening reception brought everyone together to hear about the power of Special Olympics from athlete Ariel Taylor and her mother Tina Taylor.
Ariel has been involved with Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam for over 17 years in multiple sports. She deeply enjoys the lasting friendships and lifelong memories from all of her sports.
“Competing alongside my friends and fellow athletes makes me feel happy and proud,” Ariel said. “I love to have fun and laugh with my friends. Special Olympics is a big part of my life.”
Ariel recently competed at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, and she took home one gold, two silvers, and one bronze medal in snowshoeing!
“I enjoyed meeting and competing alongside other athletes from across Canada. The best part of the competition was making new friends and winning medals,” she said.
As a parent of a Special Olympics BC athlete, Tina Taylor is grateful for the life-changing impact that Special Olympics has on her daughter.
“If Ariel wasn't involved with Special Olympics, her world will be very different, and so will ours. So I applaud all of you for making this contribution today, being here and helping our athletes because it means the world to them and it means the world to us."
Funds raised will empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to gain friendships, confidence, and community in the year-round Special Olympics programs that change lives and build inclusion throughout B.C.
A big thanks to our generous sponsors for this year’s event:
- Gold Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals
- Silver Sponsors: Newmont
- Bronze Sponsors: BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity, and National Bank Financial Markets
- Reception Sponsor: Michael Campbell’s MoneyTalks
- Tee Gift Sponsor: Cassels
- Champion Sponsor: Deloitte and Waypoint
- Media Sponsors: The Province and Vancouver Sun
Along with providing participants with a premium golf experience, the Special Olympics BC Classic gave attendees opportunities to meet and mingle with inspiring SOBC athletes. Big thanks to the Taylor family and SOBC athletes Jason Gubbels, Sandra Malku, Stephen Hands, and Vincent Li.
We are also grateful to the event’s dedicated organizing committee, and to the many volunteers, supporters, and donors who helped make this year’s event so special!
Special Olympics BC Director and Tournament Chair Michael Campbell shared his heartfelt thanks with SOBC Classic supporters for another successful event.
“Talk about a perfect day – but it’s perfect because everyone here is supporting Special Olympics. Thank you to all of you and the sponsors, and we’re looking forward to seeing you next year!”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SOBC CLASSIC