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A MEMO FROM Special Olympics BC ON COVID-19
March 13, 2020
We know many members of this amazing community feel Special Olympics BC is a huge part of their lives. We feel the very same. But in order to limit any possible risk to members of our community, Special Olympics BC is making the difficult decision to pause all community weekly training, all competitions, and all face to face fundraising events from March 13 to March 31, 2020.
Based upon what is unfolding in the greater community in terms of suspension of activities, we feel the decision to temporarily suspend Special Olympics BC activities is prudent. At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for the following Canadians:
Special Olympics BC will continue to follow the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation daily, and will communicate further with members.
We will assess, address, and communicate what the postponement of the Regional Qualifiers in this period means for qualifying for the 2021 SOBC Summer Games. Please stay tuned for further information. We commend and thank all the athletes who have been training hard for these competitions, and all the volunteers and families who have been working so hard to plan them.
To help athletes stay active during this hiatus, everyone can check out the at-home training and health resources on the Special Olympics BC website. We will also continue our social media posts celebrating Special Olympics BC members as well as sharing wellness reminders and resources. So please do feel free to suggest everyone can talk with us on social media to stay connected and encouraged!
Thank you for your patience at this time. The health and safety of Special Olympics BC program and event participants remain our top priorities.
Further background and resources
The BC Centre for Disease Control says the most important things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are to:
Special Olympics BC recommends using B.C. and Canadian health authorities for information on COVID-19, including:
Hand washing tips from Special Olympics Health Messenger Nyasha Derere
Lois McNary, SOBC Vice President, Sport
We know many members of this amazing community feel Special Olympics BC is a huge part of their lives. We feel the very same. But in order to limit any possible risk to members of our community, Special Olympics BC is making the difficult decision to pause all community weekly training, all competitions, and all face to face fundraising events from March 13 to March 31, 2020.
Based upon what is unfolding in the greater community in terms of suspension of activities, we feel the decision to temporarily suspend Special Olympics BC activities is prudent. At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for the following Canadians:
- aged 65 and over,
- with compromised immune systems, and
- with underlying medical conditions.
Special Olympics BC will continue to follow the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation daily, and will communicate further with members.
We will assess, address, and communicate what the postponement of the Regional Qualifiers in this period means for qualifying for the 2021 SOBC Summer Games. Please stay tuned for further information. We commend and thank all the athletes who have been training hard for these competitions, and all the volunteers and families who have been working so hard to plan them.
To help athletes stay active during this hiatus, everyone can check out the at-home training and health resources on the Special Olympics BC website. We will also continue our social media posts celebrating Special Olympics BC members as well as sharing wellness reminders and resources. So please do feel free to suggest everyone can talk with us on social media to stay connected and encouraged!
Thank you for your patience at this time. The health and safety of Special Olympics BC program and event participants remain our top priorities.
Further background and resources
The BC Centre for Disease Control says the most important things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid others who are unwell, and if you are sick yourself, stay away from others. Contact your health-care provider ahead of time so you can be safely assessed.
Special Olympics BC recommends using B.C. and Canadian health authorities for information on COVID-19, including:
- The BC Centre for Disease Control – www.bccdc.ca
- The Public Health Agency of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Hand washing tips from Special Olympics Health Messenger Nyasha Derere
Lois McNary, SOBC Vice President, Sport
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUNSHINE COAST
We are a volunteer, non-profit organization providing sport, recreation training and competition to athletes with intellectual disabilities on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. We have over 60 athletes participating in the 13 programs we offer here on the Sunshine Coast.
Every day we see the impact that Special Olympics has on those involved - from the athletes, volunteers, coaches and parents, to the community at large. Athletes pay a minimal fee to participate in the sport. The remaining cost of running our programs through local and provincial fundraising activities.
We are always actively recruiting for new coaches, assistant coaches, general volunteers and executive members. If you are interested in finding out more then please contact us.
Every day we see the impact that Special Olympics has on those involved - from the athletes, volunteers, coaches and parents, to the community at large. Athletes pay a minimal fee to participate in the sport. The remaining cost of running our programs through local and provincial fundraising activities.
We are always actively recruiting for new coaches, assistant coaches, general volunteers and executive members. If you are interested in finding out more then please contact us.
WRAPPING UP THE WINTER
Our athletes and coaches have just wrapped a busy fall/winter schedule of Special Olympics sports - floor hockey, community fitness, basketball, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, and curling. Lots of great time together building scrimmage skills and friendships. Our sports and executive meeting calendar is updated regularly with the latest on events happening every day of the week except Sundays.
ATHLETES DID 'GREAT' AT COQUITLAM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Thirteen athletes from the Sunshine Coast Special Olympics Basketball program attended a tournament in Coquitlam on Saturday , February 22. The coast athletes split into two teams and each team played four games. Opponents were teams from Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Richmond, Coquitlam, and North Vancouver.
Coaches reported their athletes showed improved skills such as heads-up passing and shooting the ball under pressure. They also displayed fantastic sportsmanship and represented the coast admirably. Everyone had a fun day and came home exhausted and exhilarated.
Coaches reported their athletes showed improved skills such as heads-up passing and shooting the ball under pressure. They also displayed fantastic sportsmanship and represented the coast admirably. Everyone had a fun day and came home exhausted and exhilarated.
COAST ATHLETE WINS 3 GOLD MEDALS AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES
March 16, 2019
We had some exciting news this spring. Our swim athlete Genny Verge has won 2 Gold medals at the Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi. Congratulations Genny!! We are all so proud of her and the dedication and training she has demonstrated– her coaches and training staff are to be congratulated too!!!
We had some exciting news this spring. Our swim athlete Genny Verge has won 2 Gold medals at the Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi. Congratulations Genny!! We are all so proud of her and the dedication and training she has demonstrated– her coaches and training staff are to be congratulated too!!!
Come volunteer with Special O on the Coast!
We have several coaching positions open for new volunteers. Curious to learn more? Have a look at what we offer and how we support volunteers on the Volunteer Information page. Connect with one of the coaches to hear the rewarding experience of coaching Special O. All the contact details are here.
our Program aims & goals
- Provide high-quality sport programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Enrich lives and celebrate personal achievements through positive sport experiences.
- Help to instill and improve self-esteem and physical awareness and enhance capabilities.
- Provide quality coaching.
- Promote sportsmanship and teamwork.
- Provide the opportunity to participate in local, regional, provincial, national and international competition.
- Provide opportunities for athletes to develop social skills, cultivate friendships, and to strive for and achieve goals.
did you know?
Did you know that there are Special Olympics programs offered in over 180 countries and that Special Olympics is an international organization founded by the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation?
In 1980, Special Olympics BC was established as an accredited chapter of Special Olympics Canada.
To read more about the Special Olympics organization, please click on the links below:
* Special Olympics BC
* Special Olympics Canada
* International Special Olympics
* Region 5 (North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, Squamish & Richmond)
In 1980, Special Olympics BC was established as an accredited chapter of Special Olympics Canada.
To read more about the Special Olympics organization, please click on the links below:
* Special Olympics BC
* Special Olympics Canada
* International Special Olympics
* Region 5 (North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, Squamish & Richmond)