SOBC FEATURES RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS COACH - GRACE GARDNER
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Special Olympics BC – Sunshine Coast’s Grace Gardner is a supportive and enthusiastic coach who says she is constantly learning from SOBC athletes and inspired by their joy.
Gardner helped re-establish SOBC – Sunshine Coast’s rhythmic gymnastics program and has played a big role in its success. Gardner has worked hard to help athletes build their skills and prepare for competitions, including April’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Regional Qualifier for Regions 4 and 5 in Burnaby. |
Gardner says volunteering with SOBC is a great experience, and she encourages people in her community to get involved.
When did you start with Special Olympics, and how did you get involved?
In 2014 I was working as a Community Living Support Worker with an extraordinary young lady named Abby. She was once in the rhythmic gymnastics program and really missed it since it had been cancelled.
We would frequent our local community centre in Gibsons, and one day I crossed paths with Pat Stuart, who is the Local Coordinator for SOBC – Sunshine Coast.
With my background and involvement in dance and the special needs community, she asked me if I would be interested in revitalizing the rhythmic gymnastics program here on the coast. I instantly jumped at the opportunity, and by the beginning of 2015, that’s exactly what we did.
What has been your most memorable Special Olympics experience?
The practices are really the most memorable experiences for me. It’s amazing to witness the athletes’ determination and dedication. They are very enthusiastic when it comes to learning and I love watching them progress week after week. They really enjoy this beautiful art form and I feel so lucky to be provided with the resources and equipment necessary to make it possible for them.
What is your favourite thing about being involved with SOBC?
As I coach these athletes and watch them grow, it is me who is constantly learning from them. I am so inspired by the joy that they exude. Within this organization I have met a wealth of amazing, good-hearted people and I am proud to be among them.
What would you like others to know about SOBC – Sunshine Coast?
That it’s a really rewarding program to volunteer with. The small amount of time and dedication required to help these athletes achieve their goals is greatly needed, so I urge others to reach out and support the program if they can.
Assistant coaches are needed now! So, if you or anyone you know is interested, please contact us.
When did you start with Special Olympics, and how did you get involved?
In 2014 I was working as a Community Living Support Worker with an extraordinary young lady named Abby. She was once in the rhythmic gymnastics program and really missed it since it had been cancelled.
We would frequent our local community centre in Gibsons, and one day I crossed paths with Pat Stuart, who is the Local Coordinator for SOBC – Sunshine Coast.
With my background and involvement in dance and the special needs community, she asked me if I would be interested in revitalizing the rhythmic gymnastics program here on the coast. I instantly jumped at the opportunity, and by the beginning of 2015, that’s exactly what we did.
What has been your most memorable Special Olympics experience?
The practices are really the most memorable experiences for me. It’s amazing to witness the athletes’ determination and dedication. They are very enthusiastic when it comes to learning and I love watching them progress week after week. They really enjoy this beautiful art form and I feel so lucky to be provided with the resources and equipment necessary to make it possible for them.
What is your favourite thing about being involved with SOBC?
As I coach these athletes and watch them grow, it is me who is constantly learning from them. I am so inspired by the joy that they exude. Within this organization I have met a wealth of amazing, good-hearted people and I am proud to be among them.
What would you like others to know about SOBC – Sunshine Coast?
That it’s a really rewarding program to volunteer with. The small amount of time and dedication required to help these athletes achieve their goals is greatly needed, so I urge others to reach out and support the program if they can.
Assistant coaches are needed now! So, if you or anyone you know is interested, please contact us.
sobc - sunshine COAST - FIT FAMILIES & FRIENDS PROGRAM
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23 September 2016
With the support of a Golisano Foundation Special Olympics Healthy Communities grant, Special Olympics BC launched new Fit Families & Friends programming in the summer of 2016. The inaugural participants in Prince George, Kelowna, and the Sunshine Coast showed wonderful dedication to being active and healthy together, and they had a blast! Together they walked, ran, and hiked more than 2,100 kilometres this summer. (Edit October 7: more than 2,500 km!) |
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The vision of Fit Families & Friends is to help athletes stay active over the summer months and encourage their families, friends, and supports to get active with them. At the end of each session, the program volunteer hands out a healthy snack that can be feasible and easily made by the athletes and their supporters. They also received a recipe card for the snack of the week to take home.
SOBC – Sunshine Coast ran the Fit Families & Friends program for eight weeks throughout the summer. They had 22 participants in total, including 10 athletes and 12 were supporters. Each Thursday the group walked and ran their local track. The athletes were encouraged to add to their total kilometres so several also participated in local runs. The group ran/walked a total of 226 kilometres.
SOBC – Sunshine Coast ran the Fit Families & Friends program for eight weeks throughout the summer. They had 22 participants in total, including 10 athletes and 12 were supporters. Each Thursday the group walked and ran their local track. The athletes were encouraged to add to their total kilometres so several also participated in local runs. The group ran/walked a total of 226 kilometres.
Special Olympics BC Games returning to Kamloops
20 September 2016
2017 SOBC Summer Games set to be held in Canada’s Tournament Capital
Special Olympics BC (SOBC) is delighted to announce that the 2017 SOBC Summer Games will be coming to Kamloops July 6 to 8 next year. Hot on the heels of the successful 2015 SOBC Winter Games, Kamloops will be the first community to host back-to-back SOBC Winter and Summer Games.
The 2017 Provincial Games will be the largest SOBC Games to date, with almost 1,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all parts of the province and the Yukon expected to compete, supported by more than 350 volunteer coaches and mission staff. The Games will feature exciting competition and inspiring displays of sportsmanship in the 11 SOBC summer sports: 5- and 10-pin bowling, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, and swimming.
Competing in Provincial Games is a huge thrill in itself for the athletes, many of whom will have their first opportunities ever to travel with a team, and will experience the joy of challenging themselves to attain and exceed their athletic goals. The competitors will also be chasing the opportunity to advance to national and international levels of competition. Top performers in Kamloops will qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, during the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics movement. Out east, the participants will compete to advance to the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Kamloops has long been a key location for Special Olympics in B.C., as one of the first communities to offer Special Olympics programming in the province, beginning in 1983. This will be the fourth time Kamloops has hosted SOBC Provincial Games, and Canada’s Tournament Capital was also the host of the first official SOBC Summer Games in 1986.
“We are so excited to go back to Kamloops where we know the people, the facilities, and what this city can do. We really feel these will be an exceptional set of Games,” said Lois McNary, SOBC Vice President, Sport. “Provincial Games are such empowering and exciting experiences for our athletes, and we’re confident that the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and venues in Kamloops will once again create amazing conditions in which the athletes will shine.”
In 2017, the SOBC Games Opening Ceremony will be held on July 6, followed by competition throughout Friday July 7 and Saturday July 8. The Closing Ceremony (open only to Games competitors and coaches) will be held on July 8 and volunteer recognition breakfast on July 9.
More than 1,200 volunteers will be needed to help stage this inspiring event. Volunteer registration details and Games venues will be announced in the weeks to come. Learn more at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca and find SOBC on Facebook and Instagram @specialolympicsbc and Twitter @sobcsociety; the Games hashtags will be #SOBCGames #Kamloops2017.
2017 SOBC Summer Games set to be held in Canada’s Tournament Capital
Special Olympics BC (SOBC) is delighted to announce that the 2017 SOBC Summer Games will be coming to Kamloops July 6 to 8 next year. Hot on the heels of the successful 2015 SOBC Winter Games, Kamloops will be the first community to host back-to-back SOBC Winter and Summer Games.
The 2017 Provincial Games will be the largest SOBC Games to date, with almost 1,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all parts of the province and the Yukon expected to compete, supported by more than 350 volunteer coaches and mission staff. The Games will feature exciting competition and inspiring displays of sportsmanship in the 11 SOBC summer sports: 5- and 10-pin bowling, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, and swimming.
Competing in Provincial Games is a huge thrill in itself for the athletes, many of whom will have their first opportunities ever to travel with a team, and will experience the joy of challenging themselves to attain and exceed their athletic goals. The competitors will also be chasing the opportunity to advance to national and international levels of competition. Top performers in Kamloops will qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, during the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics movement. Out east, the participants will compete to advance to the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Kamloops has long been a key location for Special Olympics in B.C., as one of the first communities to offer Special Olympics programming in the province, beginning in 1983. This will be the fourth time Kamloops has hosted SOBC Provincial Games, and Canada’s Tournament Capital was also the host of the first official SOBC Summer Games in 1986.
“We are so excited to go back to Kamloops where we know the people, the facilities, and what this city can do. We really feel these will be an exceptional set of Games,” said Lois McNary, SOBC Vice President, Sport. “Provincial Games are such empowering and exciting experiences for our athletes, and we’re confident that the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and venues in Kamloops will once again create amazing conditions in which the athletes will shine.”
In 2017, the SOBC Games Opening Ceremony will be held on July 6, followed by competition throughout Friday July 7 and Saturday July 8. The Closing Ceremony (open only to Games competitors and coaches) will be held on July 8 and volunteer recognition breakfast on July 9.
More than 1,200 volunteers will be needed to help stage this inspiring event. Volunteer registration details and Games venues will be announced in the weeks to come. Learn more at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca and find SOBC on Facebook and Instagram @specialolympicsbc and Twitter @sobcsociety; the Games hashtags will be #SOBCGames #Kamloops2017.
4 lakes - 10 k run - Katherine lake - august 7th
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Congratulations to Bruce Stuart and Micheal Oswald for participating and medalling in the 4 Lakes - 10 K Run at Katherine Lake on August 7th.
Thanks to Tanya Flynn for all her support. |
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2016 regional qualifier - sunshine coast - golf
On Sunday, July 10, 2016, SOBC - Sunshine Coast hosted the Region 5 Golf Qualifier at the beautiful Blue Ocean Golf Club in Sechelt. Teams from Vancouver, North Shore, Delta, and the Sunshine Coast participated.
Special thanks to the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for donating $500.00 toward this event. Thanks also goes to the Blue Ocean Golf Club for their on-going support of our Special Olympics Golf Program and to Chef Gordon for the delicious meal he provided following the tournament. Sisco generously donated the GaterAde and McDonalds (Sechelt) donated the large water jug.
Thanks also goes out to our caddy-marshalls who aided the athletes on the course: Clyde Higginson, Bill Thom, Brian King, David Vaughan, Ian Archer, Anne Simonet, Ivor Watson, Ann Watson, Darren Lane and Sheena MacDonald.
Twenty-eight athletes participated in total (21 of these athletes were attempting qualification for the 2017 Provincial Games.) The day was sensational ... the weather perfect ... and ferry travel was not a problem. Lots of fun was had by all.
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RESULTS
DIVISION FEMALE 01 Lindsay Pearson Danielle Juilfs Jessica Der DIVISION FEMALE 02 Chelsea Kaake Nellie-Joe Kurta Sarah Brown DIVISION MALE 01 Bradley Smith William Skuse Tyler Coe Adam Marriot Clayton Pearson DIVISION MALE 02 Gus Vaughan Alex Mason Travis Meyer Wesley Gain Gordon Balderstone Travis Robertson DIVISION MALE 03 Garrett Baydala Clark Dewson Jesse Price Nicky Chow NON QUALIFYING MALE 01 Derrick Pye Dustin Archer Brandon Lacey NON QUALIFYING MALE 02 Paul Davis Bryan Ware Cal Brandollini Norbie Puls |
DELEGATION Sunshine Coast North Shore North Shore Delta Vancouver Vancouver Delta North Shore Delta North Shore Delta Sunshine Coast Delta Delta Delta Vancouver North Shore Delta Vancouver North Shore Vancouver Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast North Shore North Shore |
SCORE 75 84 86 70 73 83 68 68 84 84 86 55 72 73 75 77 77 47 58 68 74 56 69 83 N/A N/A N/A N/A |
PLACE 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd Participant Participant Participant Participant |
SOBC SUNSHINE COAST - FIT FAMILIES & FRIENDS
THURSDAY - 4-5 P.M. - ELPHINESTONE SCHOOL TRACK
2016 regional qualifier results for track (athletics)
Our Sunshine Coast Track (Athletics) athletes had some outstanding results at the recent Regional Qualifier.
Amber Mahar and Genny Verge both had 2-first place finishes in 100m and 200m. Bruce Stuart came second in the 3,000m and first in the 5,000m run. Micheal Oswald came first in one of his events and 5th in the 400m race. Micheal had been leading the whole way in the 400m event but he ran out of gas at the end. Everyone had a great time at the event.
As a result of Amber's excellent results, she has been invited to participate in the BC Summer Games in track in Abbotsford in July. She is very excited at having been selected.
Amber Mahar and Genny Verge both had 2-first place finishes in 100m and 200m. Bruce Stuart came second in the 3,000m and first in the 5,000m run. Micheal Oswald came first in one of his events and 5th in the 400m race. Micheal had been leading the whole way in the 400m event but he ran out of gas at the end. Everyone had a great time at the event.
As a result of Amber's excellent results, she has been invited to participate in the BC Summer Games in track in Abbotsford in July. She is very excited at having been selected.
2016 regional qualifier results for softball
Results from the SOBC Regional Qualifiers for Softball.
A Div. 1st - Surrey Mariners
2nd - Comox Valley / Powell River
3rd - Kelowna Grizzlies
4th - Coquitlam Tigers
B Div. 1st - Abbotsford Top Guns
2nd- Kamloops Coyotes
3rd - Richmond Rhinos
4th - North Shore Killa Beez
5th - Burnaby Red Sox
6th - Vancouver Go-Getters
C Div. 1st - Vernon Tigers
2nd - Langley Blue Jays
3rd - Surrey Canadians
4th - Sunshine Coast Ravens
5th - North Shore Sluggers
6th - Kimberly / Cranbrook Mavericks
7th - Mission Possibles
8th - Surrey Blue Jays
D Div. 1st - Burnaby White Sox
2nd - Chilliwack Wildcats
3rd - Langley Eagles
4th - Coquitlam Tigers
5th - Abbotsford Fire Hawks
A Div. 1st - Surrey Mariners
2nd - Comox Valley / Powell River
3rd - Kelowna Grizzlies
4th - Coquitlam Tigers
B Div. 1st - Abbotsford Top Guns
2nd- Kamloops Coyotes
3rd - Richmond Rhinos
4th - North Shore Killa Beez
5th - Burnaby Red Sox
6th - Vancouver Go-Getters
C Div. 1st - Vernon Tigers
2nd - Langley Blue Jays
3rd - Surrey Canadians
4th - Sunshine Coast Ravens
5th - North Shore Sluggers
6th - Kimberly / Cranbrook Mavericks
7th - Mission Possibles
8th - Surrey Blue Jays
D Div. 1st - Burnaby White Sox
2nd - Chilliwack Wildcats
3rd - Langley Eagles
4th - Coquitlam Tigers
5th - Abbotsford Fire Hawks
farewell marie telder
Marie Telder, Head Coach for Special Olympics Swimming, is getting married and moving away to Vancouver Island. The team will miss Marie and all that she has dedicated to Special Olympics. Good luck, Marie - and please keep in touch with all of us.
regional qualifier swim results - 2016
We had a fantastic time at the Regional Qualifiers.. Here are the athlete's results.
Michael Beckman
100m backstroke. 1:41.89. 3rd
25 m fly. 18.69. 1st
100 freestyle 1:23.74. 2nd
50m freestyle. 00:35.50 1st
Paul Davis
50m freestyle. 56.40. 5th
25m backstroke. 36.93. 5th
25m breaststroke. 42.02. 2nd
25m freestyle 21.15. 2nd
Amanda Boghean
50m Backstroke 1:08.68 2nd
50m breaststroke. 1:49.85 3rd
25m breaststroke 00:52.82 3rd
25m freestyle. 00:29.96. 3rd
50m freestyle. 1:06.30. 2nd
Amber Fenton
50m freestyle. 1:28.33. 6th
50m back. 1:27.52. 3rd
25m breaststroke. 51.80. 2nd
25m back. 38.98. 1st
25m free. 37.79. 3rd
Theresa Bystedt
50m freestyle. 1:25.85. 5th
25m backstroke. 45.44. 5th
25m breaststroke 48.30. 5th
50m backstroke. 1:44.77. 2nd
25m freestyle. 39.17. 5th
Christel Jensen
25m free. 20.99. 2nd
25m breaststroke. 32.89 1st
50m free. 58.37. 3rd
25m back. 29.40. 3rd
50m breaststroke 1:13.16. 3rd
Summer Labecki
25m breaststroke. 49.87 1st
50m backstroke. 2:05.09. 3rd
25m free. 39.32. 6th
25m back. 58.72. 7th
50m free. 1:23.72. 7th
Stephen Malcolm
25m back 35.32. 6th
25m free. 37.34. 1st
50m free. 1:30.95. 3rd
50m back. 1:27.80. 3rd
Micheal Oswald
50m back. 52.79. 3rd
25m back. 24.22. 1st
25m breaststroke. 29.86. 5th
25m free. 17.11. 1st
50m free. 38.30. 3rd
Lindsay Pearson
25m breaststroke. 41.34. 4th
25m backstroke 33.24. 3rd
25m freestyle 31.87 3rd
50m freestyle 1:17.42. 2nd
50m backstroke 1:13.88 3rd
Kyara Gray Richmond
25m backstroke. 33.49. 4th
50m backstroke. 1:18.98. 6th
25m freestyle. 27.26. 5th
25m breaststroke 39.82. 3rd
Stephanie Rogers
25m backstroke. 1:03.35. 6th
25m freestyle. 1:05.83. 2nd
50m freestyle. 2:26.30. 7th
25m breaststroke. 1:16.95. 2nd
50m backstroke. 2:14.35. 4th
Genny Verge
25m free. 19.10. 1st
100m back. 1:51.16. 1st
50m free 41.27. 1st
25m fly. 22.02. 1st
25m back. 21.99. 1st
Bryan Ware
50m free. 1:05.12. 4th
25m free. 31.06. 3rd
50m backstroke. 1:22.73. 7th
25m breastroke. 44.52. 6th
25m backstroke. 40.28. 5th
Michael Beckman
100m backstroke. 1:41.89. 3rd
25 m fly. 18.69. 1st
100 freestyle 1:23.74. 2nd
50m freestyle. 00:35.50 1st
Paul Davis
50m freestyle. 56.40. 5th
25m backstroke. 36.93. 5th
25m breaststroke. 42.02. 2nd
25m freestyle 21.15. 2nd
Amanda Boghean
50m Backstroke 1:08.68 2nd
50m breaststroke. 1:49.85 3rd
25m breaststroke 00:52.82 3rd
25m freestyle. 00:29.96. 3rd
50m freestyle. 1:06.30. 2nd
Amber Fenton
50m freestyle. 1:28.33. 6th
50m back. 1:27.52. 3rd
25m breaststroke. 51.80. 2nd
25m back. 38.98. 1st
25m free. 37.79. 3rd
Theresa Bystedt
50m freestyle. 1:25.85. 5th
25m backstroke. 45.44. 5th
25m breaststroke 48.30. 5th
50m backstroke. 1:44.77. 2nd
25m freestyle. 39.17. 5th
Christel Jensen
25m free. 20.99. 2nd
25m breaststroke. 32.89 1st
50m free. 58.37. 3rd
25m back. 29.40. 3rd
50m breaststroke 1:13.16. 3rd
Summer Labecki
25m breaststroke. 49.87 1st
50m backstroke. 2:05.09. 3rd
25m free. 39.32. 6th
25m back. 58.72. 7th
50m free. 1:23.72. 7th
Stephen Malcolm
25m back 35.32. 6th
25m free. 37.34. 1st
50m free. 1:30.95. 3rd
50m back. 1:27.80. 3rd
Micheal Oswald
50m back. 52.79. 3rd
25m back. 24.22. 1st
25m breaststroke. 29.86. 5th
25m free. 17.11. 1st
50m free. 38.30. 3rd
Lindsay Pearson
25m breaststroke. 41.34. 4th
25m backstroke 33.24. 3rd
25m freestyle 31.87 3rd
50m freestyle 1:17.42. 2nd
50m backstroke 1:13.88 3rd
Kyara Gray Richmond
25m backstroke. 33.49. 4th
50m backstroke. 1:18.98. 6th
25m freestyle. 27.26. 5th
25m breaststroke 39.82. 3rd
Stephanie Rogers
25m backstroke. 1:03.35. 6th
25m freestyle. 1:05.83. 2nd
50m freestyle. 2:26.30. 7th
25m breaststroke. 1:16.95. 2nd
50m backstroke. 2:14.35. 4th
Genny Verge
25m free. 19.10. 1st
100m back. 1:51.16. 1st
50m free 41.27. 1st
25m fly. 22.02. 1st
25m back. 21.99. 1st
Bryan Ware
50m free. 1:05.12. 4th
25m free. 31.06. 3rd
50m backstroke. 1:22.73. 7th
25m breastroke. 44.52. 6th
25m backstroke. 40.28. 5th
abbotsford curling bonspiel - January 2016
Our Sunshine Coast Special Olympic Curlers returned from an exciting and fun-filled weekend in Abbotsford. They managed to win two of their three games.
In addition to curling, Coach Bill Climie and Michael Brooks both celebrated their birthday's this past weekend.
Congratulations to Michael Brooks, Dustin Archer, Bruce Stuart, Shelley McCuaig, Amber Maher and Coco Vito, as well as coaches Bill Climie and George Proudfoot.
In addition to curling, Coach Bill Climie and Michael Brooks both celebrated their birthday's this past weekend.
Congratulations to Michael Brooks, Dustin Archer, Bruce Stuart, Shelley McCuaig, Amber Maher and Coco Vito, as well as coaches Bill Climie and George Proudfoot.
hard work pays off - featuring Lindsay pearson
Swim coach, Marie Telder, recently reported that hard work truly does pay off! Last year, Lindsay Pearson was timed swimming the 50 metre backstroke. Her time was 1:11.29. This year, Lindsay was timed swimming the 100 metre backstroke. Her time was an amazing 1:21.38. Think about this ... she swam twice the distance that she did last year in only a few seconds more! Congratulations, Lindsay!
MARIE TELDER - REPORT FROM the 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES
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Marie Telder, Head Coach of the Sunshine Coast Special Olympics Swim Program recently returned from attending the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Marie's report on her amazing experience is below.
We are so fortunate to have Marie as our Head Coach for the local swim program! |
WORLD GAMES REPORT
All I can say is I am honoured and am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to attend Special Olympics World Games 2015 in LA. We had an amazing time. From the moment we pulled away from the Vancouver terminal to the waving of flags and cheering from fellow passengers on board Air Canada, to the people congratulating the returning Athletes with hugs and cheering awaited, the Athletes were celebrated.
Waiting in line for Opening Ceremonies we were greeted by celebrities such as Justin Bieber. He had on really nice cologne. Very friendly young man.
What a thrill to walk into the stadium with so many athletes from so many countries. Some of the team uniforms were beautiful and gorgeously decorated. A few did dancing and singing. It was an unforgettable experience.
Team Canada won 144 medals - 39 of which came from BC.
Josh Low of Langley won the First Gold medal for Team Canada in 25m backstroke. Jackie Barrett, "The Moose", a powerlifter from Newfoundland, and a Team Canada favourite, retired on the spot after winning the overall Gold. He will now fulfill his mother's legacy and coach Special Olympics powerlifting. Dead lifting 645.5 pounds with the crowd chanting "Moose, Moose, Moose", Jackie broke the previous record set in 1999, screaming "I am the Moose!" as he dropped the bar.
Bocce, from Kelowna, won a Bronze medal. It was their first time ever to compete in World Games. A very proud moment for Team Canada.
Kelsey Wyse (swimmer) was very excited to have a personal interview on ESPN with her idol Micheal Phelps.
A few highlights:
We attended the Angels stadium. One of our athletes could not say Angels, but had no problem cheering for the Autobots. "Go Autobots Go", became our Cheer. It was a first time for myself and for several of the athletes to see a professional ball game. During the 4th inning, they announced we were in attendance and showed us on the big screen and the stadium erupted in cheering. It gave me chills.
We also went to watch Team Canada play Basketball and visit the Science World.
During host town we had the pleasure of going to the Orange County Fair. Lots of rides, and we had so much fun in the bumper cars. The Ice museum was chilly but the sculptures were worth the wait and being cold. The athletes loved the butterfly sanctuary and having the butterflies land on them. The excitement was so wonderful to watch. Dinner was hosted by a local church and the entertainment was cheerleaders ... very popular in the USA. During Host town we were housed with Team Senegal, who had about 30 delegates. They had lots of spirit and energy, drumming, dancing and singing all the time.
The Athlete's Village was very popular and every night there was different entertainment.
Toyota had a car the athletes could sign with brightly coloured markers. It was very popular. There was a Hot Wheels race track, with lots of prizes to win. ESPN had a cover page photo area. It looked like a real magazine cover, so people thought it was real. There was a Bank of America photo booth. We had loads of FUN taking crazy pics. And of course, there were souvenirs and t-shirts. I bought one with the Special Olympics Oath on it. Love it! One booth showed 3D printing of prosthetic limbs.
Healthy Athletes - All the swim athletes visited Healthy Athletes. All the Athletes received Disney New Balance running shoes (lime green or blue), tinted goggles (prescription, if needed). They also had bone density tests a dental check and foot check. New glasses were provided, if needed. Some athletes received hearing aids for the first time, never before having heard a sound. As for prosthetic limbs - athletes were measured one day and received limbs the next day with 3D printer, in gorgeous colors.
Peale Project - A group of Athletes who love photography where chosen and mentored by professional photographers to capture the World Games through the Eyes of the Athlete. Their book will soon be available for purchase.
We enjoyed a night of entertainment and excitement at Fox Studios to see the movie The Ringer. To walk where famous people have walked. We pretended to have our own oscars. We were treated to a lovely dinner. I had dinner with Eddie and his mother. He is the main actor with disabilities in the movie. He sits on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International. To meet Vanessa Williams and Johnny Knoxville was so exciting. The Shriver family were so generous and open to the athletes. There was a Q&A period where there was a lot of talk about the "R" word. It was a very sensitive topic of discussion but good to bring it out in the open. On the ride back, the athletes talked a lot about how they felt about being spoken to like this with the "R" word, being judged and mistreated. Good open discussion.
The competition at the pool was intense for each athlete for every event, more so for their first event. We celebrated every finish be it first or sixth. They called us the Crazy Canadians. Not sure why? The heat the last few days became so high we could not allow athletes to watch each other compete due to health risks. As coaches and athletes this is not the norm but we adjusted. We got creative with tornado water bottles, squirt guns, etc.
The last day of competition Team Canada took a dip in the pool to celebrate and some of the volunteers joined in ... I did not go in but they made sure I got good and wet.
Trading pins is always a great way to meet other athletes. Everyone seemed to want the Town of Gibsons pin. My favourite was from a young athlete from Finland who found a Team Canada swim cap, saw me and asked if she could return the cap. She could have kept the cap as a souvenir. I gave her several pins, bracelets etc. and she have me a Cheerleader Pin from Finland. I was so touched by her kindness and honesty.
The next Special Olympics Winter World Games are in Austria in 2017. During closing ceremonies a lovely young lady dressed in white sang the theme song from Frozen surrounded by athletes dancing. I loved it. So fitting.
While waiting at LAX to come home, I was a travelling coach for two athletes coming to Vancouver. One of those athletes heard a child crying and made a bee line for this young child. Normally this athlete does not communicate very much. He took this young boy's hand and told him, "It's okay, planes are scary." The young boy stopped crying and just watched the athlete. The Mom talked to him and told him her son was going to be in Special Olympics in a few years. The young boy and athlete had an instant connection. It was a moment I will remember forever.
You can see many pictures by visiting the Facebook page: Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 or LA2015.org and watching great videos on YouTube.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into what an amazing experience this was for me to spend with coaches and athletes from around the World.
Marie Telder
All I can say is I am honoured and am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to attend Special Olympics World Games 2015 in LA. We had an amazing time. From the moment we pulled away from the Vancouver terminal to the waving of flags and cheering from fellow passengers on board Air Canada, to the people congratulating the returning Athletes with hugs and cheering awaited, the Athletes were celebrated.
Waiting in line for Opening Ceremonies we were greeted by celebrities such as Justin Bieber. He had on really nice cologne. Very friendly young man.
What a thrill to walk into the stadium with so many athletes from so many countries. Some of the team uniforms were beautiful and gorgeously decorated. A few did dancing and singing. It was an unforgettable experience.
Team Canada won 144 medals - 39 of which came from BC.
Josh Low of Langley won the First Gold medal for Team Canada in 25m backstroke. Jackie Barrett, "The Moose", a powerlifter from Newfoundland, and a Team Canada favourite, retired on the spot after winning the overall Gold. He will now fulfill his mother's legacy and coach Special Olympics powerlifting. Dead lifting 645.5 pounds with the crowd chanting "Moose, Moose, Moose", Jackie broke the previous record set in 1999, screaming "I am the Moose!" as he dropped the bar.
Bocce, from Kelowna, won a Bronze medal. It was their first time ever to compete in World Games. A very proud moment for Team Canada.
Kelsey Wyse (swimmer) was very excited to have a personal interview on ESPN with her idol Micheal Phelps.
A few highlights:
We attended the Angels stadium. One of our athletes could not say Angels, but had no problem cheering for the Autobots. "Go Autobots Go", became our Cheer. It was a first time for myself and for several of the athletes to see a professional ball game. During the 4th inning, they announced we were in attendance and showed us on the big screen and the stadium erupted in cheering. It gave me chills.
We also went to watch Team Canada play Basketball and visit the Science World.
During host town we had the pleasure of going to the Orange County Fair. Lots of rides, and we had so much fun in the bumper cars. The Ice museum was chilly but the sculptures were worth the wait and being cold. The athletes loved the butterfly sanctuary and having the butterflies land on them. The excitement was so wonderful to watch. Dinner was hosted by a local church and the entertainment was cheerleaders ... very popular in the USA. During Host town we were housed with Team Senegal, who had about 30 delegates. They had lots of spirit and energy, drumming, dancing and singing all the time.
The Athlete's Village was very popular and every night there was different entertainment.
Toyota had a car the athletes could sign with brightly coloured markers. It was very popular. There was a Hot Wheels race track, with lots of prizes to win. ESPN had a cover page photo area. It looked like a real magazine cover, so people thought it was real. There was a Bank of America photo booth. We had loads of FUN taking crazy pics. And of course, there were souvenirs and t-shirts. I bought one with the Special Olympics Oath on it. Love it! One booth showed 3D printing of prosthetic limbs.
Healthy Athletes - All the swim athletes visited Healthy Athletes. All the Athletes received Disney New Balance running shoes (lime green or blue), tinted goggles (prescription, if needed). They also had bone density tests a dental check and foot check. New glasses were provided, if needed. Some athletes received hearing aids for the first time, never before having heard a sound. As for prosthetic limbs - athletes were measured one day and received limbs the next day with 3D printer, in gorgeous colors.
Peale Project - A group of Athletes who love photography where chosen and mentored by professional photographers to capture the World Games through the Eyes of the Athlete. Their book will soon be available for purchase.
We enjoyed a night of entertainment and excitement at Fox Studios to see the movie The Ringer. To walk where famous people have walked. We pretended to have our own oscars. We were treated to a lovely dinner. I had dinner with Eddie and his mother. He is the main actor with disabilities in the movie. He sits on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International. To meet Vanessa Williams and Johnny Knoxville was so exciting. The Shriver family were so generous and open to the athletes. There was a Q&A period where there was a lot of talk about the "R" word. It was a very sensitive topic of discussion but good to bring it out in the open. On the ride back, the athletes talked a lot about how they felt about being spoken to like this with the "R" word, being judged and mistreated. Good open discussion.
The competition at the pool was intense for each athlete for every event, more so for their first event. We celebrated every finish be it first or sixth. They called us the Crazy Canadians. Not sure why? The heat the last few days became so high we could not allow athletes to watch each other compete due to health risks. As coaches and athletes this is not the norm but we adjusted. We got creative with tornado water bottles, squirt guns, etc.
The last day of competition Team Canada took a dip in the pool to celebrate and some of the volunteers joined in ... I did not go in but they made sure I got good and wet.
Trading pins is always a great way to meet other athletes. Everyone seemed to want the Town of Gibsons pin. My favourite was from a young athlete from Finland who found a Team Canada swim cap, saw me and asked if she could return the cap. She could have kept the cap as a souvenir. I gave her several pins, bracelets etc. and she have me a Cheerleader Pin from Finland. I was so touched by her kindness and honesty.
The next Special Olympics Winter World Games are in Austria in 2017. During closing ceremonies a lovely young lady dressed in white sang the theme song from Frozen surrounded by athletes dancing. I loved it. So fitting.
While waiting at LAX to come home, I was a travelling coach for two athletes coming to Vancouver. One of those athletes heard a child crying and made a bee line for this young child. Normally this athlete does not communicate very much. He took this young boy's hand and told him, "It's okay, planes are scary." The young boy stopped crying and just watched the athlete. The Mom talked to him and told him her son was going to be in Special Olympics in a few years. The young boy and athlete had an instant connection. It was a moment I will remember forever.
You can see many pictures by visiting the Facebook page: Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 or LA2015.org and watching great videos on YouTube.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into what an amazing experience this was for me to spend with coaches and athletes from around the World.
Marie Telder
MEET ATHLETE MICHEAL OSWALD
One of our athletes, Micheal Oswald, was recently featured on SOBC's website. Here's a copy of the article and a link to the website. (http://www.specialolympics.bc.ca/news/2015/06/29/meet-athlete-micheal-oswald)
29 June 2015 Local SOBC - Sunshine Coast
Special Olympics BC – Sunshine Coast athlete Micheal Oswald has turned his life around with Special Olympics, finding wings as a gold-medal-winning athlete and as an athlete reporter.
“It all started with Special Olympics,” Oswald says of his recent life successes.
Oswald returned to SOBC six years ago after a hiatus, improving his health and fitness and going on to win a gold medal in the 50-metre backstroke at the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Langley. He has also participated in basketball, bocce, soccer, softball, and track and field, and works at the gym every week.
“It was a difficult transition to believe he could do that physical work,” his foster mother Helen Halet says. “Parent, coaches, and volunteers were so supportive and kept encouraging him, and then he got into it. He even stopped smoking.”
Among his recent accomplishments, Oswald ran the 400-metre dash in one minute and 18 seconds at the 2014 SOBC provincial track meet at UBC.
“I’m a speed demon,” Oswald says of his love for fast-paced sports.
When he was in school, Oswald had a hard time with generic sports and was left on the sidelines. He found Special Olympics as a youngster, participating in bowling for a time when it was the only program SOBC – Sunshine Coast offered.
Now he is thriving in his various his sports, and having a great time travelling to competitions.
“I love meeting other athletes, doing my best, hearing all the people cheering, being with my team, and having pride – it almost brings tears to my eyes,” Oswald says.
He recently gave a speech at his Local’s Volunteer Appreciation Banquet praising the SOBC volunteers and what they have done for him.
“Special Olympics has helped me become more healthy, and I owe it all to my coaches,” Oswald says. “They really pushed, and if it wasn’t for the volunteers and coaches we wouldn’t have Special Olympics.”
As well as being a hard-working athlete, Oswald has taken off as an athlete reporter for SOBC – Sunshine Coast.
He has written for Minor Hockey News and Amateur Sports News, writes a Local update for the SOBC year-end newsletter, and keeps communities abreast of SOBC – Sunshine Coast events and game results in his weekly column for The Local newspaper.
Halet says people will sometimes approach the Local's Executive Committee members after one of Oswald’s columns has been published and ask how they can get involved with Special Olympics.
Oswald also has two published books under his belt: I Am A Man Who Cries and Poems and Songs: an existential project, which he has sold at a local writer’s festival. He works on his writing and storytelling with a mentor and has recently gotten involved with Kickstart Theatre.
Oswald has come a long way in the last few years, and as he continues to face challenges including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, he wants to spread the message that FASD is 100 per cent preventable.
“Don’t drink when you’re pregnant,” he says.
Oswald aims high as he looks to his future with Special Olympics, saying, “I hope to go to Provincials for track and field in the 400-metre.”
Special Olympics BC – Sunshine Coast athlete Micheal Oswald has turned his life around with Special Olympics, finding wings as a gold-medal-winning athlete and as an athlete reporter.
“It all started with Special Olympics,” Oswald says of his recent life successes.
Oswald returned to SOBC six years ago after a hiatus, improving his health and fitness and going on to win a gold medal in the 50-metre backstroke at the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Langley. He has also participated in basketball, bocce, soccer, softball, and track and field, and works at the gym every week.
“It was a difficult transition to believe he could do that physical work,” his foster mother Helen Halet says. “Parent, coaches, and volunteers were so supportive and kept encouraging him, and then he got into it. He even stopped smoking.”
Among his recent accomplishments, Oswald ran the 400-metre dash in one minute and 18 seconds at the 2014 SOBC provincial track meet at UBC.
“I’m a speed demon,” Oswald says of his love for fast-paced sports.
When he was in school, Oswald had a hard time with generic sports and was left on the sidelines. He found Special Olympics as a youngster, participating in bowling for a time when it was the only program SOBC – Sunshine Coast offered.
Now he is thriving in his various his sports, and having a great time travelling to competitions.
“I love meeting other athletes, doing my best, hearing all the people cheering, being with my team, and having pride – it almost brings tears to my eyes,” Oswald says.
He recently gave a speech at his Local’s Volunteer Appreciation Banquet praising the SOBC volunteers and what they have done for him.
“Special Olympics has helped me become more healthy, and I owe it all to my coaches,” Oswald says. “They really pushed, and if it wasn’t for the volunteers and coaches we wouldn’t have Special Olympics.”
As well as being a hard-working athlete, Oswald has taken off as an athlete reporter for SOBC – Sunshine Coast.
He has written for Minor Hockey News and Amateur Sports News, writes a Local update for the SOBC year-end newsletter, and keeps communities abreast of SOBC – Sunshine Coast events and game results in his weekly column for The Local newspaper.
Halet says people will sometimes approach the Local's Executive Committee members after one of Oswald’s columns has been published and ask how they can get involved with Special Olympics.
Oswald also has two published books under his belt: I Am A Man Who Cries and Poems and Songs: an existential project, which he has sold at a local writer’s festival. He works on his writing and storytelling with a mentor and has recently gotten involved with Kickstart Theatre.
Oswald has come a long way in the last few years, and as he continues to face challenges including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, he wants to spread the message that FASD is 100 per cent preventable.
“Don’t drink when you’re pregnant,” he says.
Oswald aims high as he looks to his future with Special Olympics, saying, “I hope to go to Provincials for track and field in the 400-metre.”
SECHELT BASKETBALL AND THE RCMP - FEBRUARY 2015
At the conclusion of the basketball game with the RCMP, all players and coaches were invited onto the floor for a few minutes of fun!
At the conclusion of the basketball game with the RCMP, all players and coaches were invited onto the floor for a few minutes of fun!
2013-2014 ACTIVE START & FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAM FEATURING DECE
Dece is five years old and has completed his first year in Active Start. Dece is a wonderful energetic boy with a delightful sense of humor as you can see by the video. Dece has learned to share, be part of a team, cheer others on, wait his turn. He can catch and throw a ball, hop and his favorite game is scarf tag. It was an exciting year with four new athletes.
Dece is five years old and has completed his first year in Active Start. Dece is a wonderful energetic boy with a delightful sense of humor as you can see by the video. Dece has learned to share, be part of a team, cheer others on, wait his turn. He can catch and throw a ball, hop and his favorite game is scarf tag. It was an exciting year with four new athletes.
Mason Wells completed Fundamentals and has moved onto Softball. I hear he loves
it and Special Olympics.
Our Fundamentals Group learned and enjoyed the Nutrition section, with lots of questions. We talked about sugar, the importance of staying hydrated and portion control. We tried different fruits like dragon fruit, prickly pear and papaya. We even tried many types of water ie: black water, sweetened water, carbonated water, tap water, flavoured water etc. V eggies were also on the menu, flies on a log, cucumber sandwiches etc. Great fun making our own snacks.
Marie Telder, Coach
Our Fundamentals Group learned and enjoyed the Nutrition section, with lots of questions. We talked about sugar, the importance of staying hydrated and portion control. We tried different fruits like dragon fruit, prickly pear and papaya. We even tried many types of water ie: black water, sweetened water, carbonated water, tap water, flavoured water etc. V eggies were also on the menu, flies on a log, cucumber sandwiches etc. Great fun making our own snacks.
Marie Telder, Coach
ctv news television comes to sechelt to film our golfers - perry's prospects
Our Sunshine Coast Special Olympic Golfers were recently interviewed by Gary Rutherford of CTV News - Perry's Prospects. Gary came up to the Sechelt Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, June 26th, 2013 where he interviewed a number of our athletes. He also got some great footage of the athletes smacking the ball and sinking their putts. It was a super fun practice and a great way to wrap up the season.
Congratulations to all our golfers on a very successful season.
Click on the link below to see the television coverage:
Congratulations to all our golfers on a very successful season.
Click on the link below to see the television coverage:
