Deck the halls! It’s that time of year and some Special Olympics cheer!
 
David Thomas, a fifteen-year assistant coach with Sechelt basketball recently received a commemorative pin marking his dedication to the athletes and the sport. Randy Younghusband, Local Coordinator and assistant Bball coach, acknowledged David’s contributions and expressed the appreciation of both athletes and coaches alike.
 
From his decade and a half as a Bball and sometimes soccer coach, David has learned about the rewards of being involved in Special O: patience, camaraderie, seeing athletes improving under his tutelage and playing on a team just to have fun and run and play.  Thank You David for all your years of fun and smiles!
 
Dave Sandness, head coach for Special O curling for over a decade, has had a terrific time pushing his athletes lovingly and watching their skills improve. He and his helper John are both retiring at the end of this season. Dave remembers fondly when former head coach Bill Climie asked him to join and he has been with the team ever since.
 
As with both David and Dave, several of our coaches are well into their retirement years and their love of sports and the athletes, keeps them coming back but there is serious need for fresh, young new volunteers to step up and help keep our curlers on the ice, players on the courts, runners on the track, putters on green and swimmers in the pool.
 
Luckily for us, a new volunteer for Bocce has found us and we are looking forward to seeing him on the field. Welcome Reg Cran. If you too, are looking for a life-changing experience with great folks, contact Allyson Pearson.  Remember, training is free!!
 
As mentioned last month, SOBC held a two-day course for athlete reporters.  Six athletes from across BC including this reporter learned how to conduct and submit video interviews related to Special O. Interviews with athletes, coaches, volunteers, family or friends generally discuss the many positive impacts that Special Olympics has had on their lives.
 
As a result of that training, we now have our own, local Instagram page where you can find my very first few interviews. Stay tuned for more over time.
 
Access to the off coast reporters’ interviews can be found here.

 As we end 2023, what might 2024 and the rest of the fall/winter season hold? More good things for Special O I’m sure. Keep active and have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year.

It’s September. That means Registration is here. That time of year when athletes gather to sign up to their preferred favourite sports and see old friends. September 12th is the date that athletes, volunteers and families will gather at the SCACL office on Dolphin Street in Sechelt from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm to sign up for the 2023/2024 season.
 
If you are unable to attend in person, please fill in and submit a registration form with a cheque enclosed to cover fees. You can mail the form to Allyson Pearson at imaparadis@dccnet.com.
 
Once registration is complete, numbers of athletes and coaches will be tabulated and teams organized.
 
2024 also marks 30 years of our local being around. 30 years of accomplishment, fun and friendship. From our humble beginnings with five pin bowling to now offering swimming, track, bocce, golf, softball, basketball, soccer and curling.
 
The fall/winter season begins as early as October and goes as late as the end of March and offering swimming, curling and basketball, whilst the spring/summer season begins in April and ends in June and offers track, golf, soccer, softball and bocce.
 
2024 will also mark the beginning of the competition cycle that starts with Regional Qualifiers, followed by Provincial then National then Worlds.
 
It is thanks to our amazing volunteers that SOSC runs smoothly. From coaches, assistant coaches and executive members, these fantastic folks give freely their time to make sure we keep on kicking!
 
However, we are always in need of even more wonderful people to add to our roster. If seeing the smiles on the faces of those with diversabilities and dedicating time to a noble cause is for you, then contact Allyson Pearson once more at imaparadis@dccnet.com. Training is free and so is happiness!
 
Sad to see summer go, but happy to be on the go!

Mike Oswald Athlete Reporter
 
As seasons close and others open, Special O on the Coast is still strutting it’s stuff.
 
Curling wrapped up March 11th and Coach Dave Sandness was presented with a Ten Year Coaching pin for his decade of dynamite skill in guiding his athletes to set the ice aflame!

Head Coach Cathy Verge had this to say about the event…
 
“The swim meet was a wonderful way to end the season. Lisa started the team off getting a new personal best in her first event. Genny finished the day just as it started with a new personal best in her 100 fly. Everyone on our team swam their best.”
 
March 15th was the last day of swim practice, with tons of fun, athletes racing athletes and coaches alike and just plain enjoying themselves.
 
FUNdraising (the roof) saw success this year, province wide, with the polar plunge with a total of $330, 000! It meant much more than dollars however as it was a chance for those athletes who felt isolated during the pandemic to once again connect and reunite.
 
The spring/summer season is set to begin April 10th and it will go till June 29th.

Athletes are eagerly awaiting the new season and its shorts and tees and tourneys and meets!
 

Special Olympics BC keeps Marching on. Keeping the FUN in fundraising and making memories in competition.

The Polar Plunge, which began February 18th   and ends March 5th is another COOL way to support S.O. You can register for a group event or make a video and post it on social media with the ‘hashtag’  #Plunge4SOBC. As Vanilla Ice said, back in the day,
“ICE, ICE, BABY!”
 
The 2023 BC Winter Games took place in Kamloops aka Canada’s Tournament Capitol for the fifth time. Eight Sports. Five hundred athletes. Three days. Region 5 (Vancouver, North Van, Richmond, Burnaby & Poco) had 45 athletes, coaches and mission staff on hand.
If you wish to know more about how these athletes performed, please visit
https://www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia
 
It was definitely a thrill for all involved, to be back in action after such a long time away due to the pandemic.
Those lucky enough to qualify will be heading to Alberta for the Nationals - the 2024 Canada Winter Games.
 
While at the Games, good news was shared with the City of Prince George. The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games will be heading there for the third time. They will host close to 1,100 athletes to compete in 10 sports. This will be the first major competition for the Summer Games since 2017.
 
Closer to home, Curling will wind up on March 11th with their annual Crazy Hat Day. Everyone is welcome to come to the Gibsons Curling rink from 12:00pm-1:30pm!
 
Finally, the spring/summer season is scheduled to begin just after Easter and run till June’s end. Bocce, Golf, Track, Softball and Soccer athletes will be heating up in the sun as they blaze a trail of fun and memories.
 
See you in the Spring!

Mike Oswald, Special Olympics Athlete Reporter

2023 Year of the Rabbit. And Special Olympics just keeps hopping along!

The Sunshine Coast Orca swim team is once again flowing gracefully in the lanes at the Gibsons & Sechelt pools on Mondays and Wednesdays respectively. All have been working hard, especially our new swimmers Heather Dykstra, Sam Fitzgerald, and Chloe Rogers. Head Coach Cathy Verge is focusing her athletes this year on using the basics as building blocks to something greater.
 
Curling is popular and shows no sign of cooling down. Head Coach Dave Sandness along with volunteers Jeanne Hage, Randy Younghusband & Blake Simpson host their athletes every Saturday at the Gibsons Curling rink.
 
On the Provincial front fundraising is a major factor for Special O and there are two major efforts in the works. Most Tim Hortons franchises including both Sechelt & Gibsons, have confirmed they are throwing their hat in the ring once again, by promoting a Special Olympics chocolate cake donut with white fondant, sprinkles, and whipped topping. Sales will take place this weekend with 100% of proceeds from each donut sold going to fund SOBC. Check out this link to learn more. https://foodology.ca/tim-hortons-special-olympics-donut-with-100-of-proceeds-being-donated-to-special-olympics-canada/

Also there is the almighty Polar Plunge from February 18th to March 3rd 2023. The Plunge raises much needed funds to help Special Olympics BC’s year-round programs for its athletes. There are two ways to get involved. You can register with a plunge program or for those BRRRRave individuals who wish to do so, you can make your own plunge! Share your Plunge on social media and and tag Special Olympics at #Plunge4SOBC.
 
Plans for a formal program on the local scene for the polar plunge are still in the works but keep your eye out for individual athletes and their supporters who are already finding ways to take part on their own. I can’t say for sure but between icy water and yummy donuts I know which one I’d pick!
 
The 2023 SOBC Winter Games are happening February 2nd to the 4th in Kamloops. Five hundred athletes will compete in at least 8 different events along with 150 volunteer coaches and staff. There are no teams taking part from the Coast but we will be cheering for all those who are participating!
 
This year, several locals in SOBC are celebrating anniversaries ranging from 30-40 years. Our local on the Coast has enjoyed 29 years and counting as an active local starting from our humble beginnings in 5 pin bowling in Gibsons. It is thanks to several parents and lots of lobbying that we now have many more activities for our athletes to enjoy for many more years to come.
 
2023 promises big things for our folks in S.O!

To paraphrase the Sugarhill Gang, Hip Hop to the hippie, hippie hop. Just don't stop.

Welcome to November. It’s getting colder out there and the days are getting shorter but SOBC SC shows zero signs of slowing down.
 
Softball Head Coach and Local Coordinator Randy Younghusband attended a SOBC Conference focusing on how well S.O. is working and how to continue to strengthen its structure using Recruitment and Fundraising as two strategies.
 
These include, making the public aware of our message and the benefits of joining the organization such as seeing an athlete smile. It is also important to help the community understand how vital fundraising is to us and the many other ways they can help. For example, community partnerships between groups such as First Responders and athletes, for such activities as the polar plunge, can encourage participation.
 
Locally, volunteerism continues to grow. Thank You to Chuck Bertrand, a fierce advocate and beloved coach for his generous donation and for taking on a volunteer role for golf! Thanks as well to Ann Simonet for signing up as a golf volunteer and to Katie Duncan our newest volunteer! We look forward to seeing you at many of our programs.
 
All together, 36 athletes and 16 coaches and volunteers make up our current roster. Among these are some cool customers. The curling coaches and volunteers Randy Younghusband, Jean Hage, John Stewart, Barb Bell (who has since also signed up for golf) as well as head coach Dave Sandness, are at the Gibsons Curling rink on the ice giving their all every Saturday. Shooting the fair one, Richard Hoath assisting Sam Giampa with Gibsons Basketball (which is now Thursdays from 6:30-7:45pm) and Jane Mead assisting with Sechelt Basketball are all helping their athletes score those great baskets!
 
As you may have noticed, the holiday season is rapidly approaching. Unfortunately, Special Olympics here on the Coast will not have a party this year. In the past, these get-togethers were full of frivolity, music, and food and of course the big guy in red.  Instead, we can sit around our living rooms and reminisce of days passed and look forward to “Fun in the Sun” next June!
 
Meanwhile you can enjoy a couple of photos from days gone by.
 
The weather outside is ‘frightful’;
SOSC’S so delightful,
I just want to let you know,
SPECIAL O SPECIAL O SPECIAL O!

I know many have been awaiting this news. SPRING SPORTS ARE STARTING IN MARCH!!!!
 
All sports will run for 12 weeks with the exception of swimming.
Here’s the breakdown so far. Some times and venues are yet to be confirmed.
 
Mondays 6-7:30 pm: Soccer in Gibsons from April 4-June 20
Head Coach Richard Hoath
Sechelt athletes will travel to Gibsons
 
Tuesdays 6:30-800 pm: Softball in Sechelt from April 5 to June 21
Head Coach Randy Younghusband
 
Wednesdays 6-7pm: Swimming in Sechelt from March 16th to May 18th
Head Coach Cathy Verge.
 
Thursdays 6-7pm: Track & Field from March 24th to June 23rd
Head Coach Tania Finnigan.
 
Saturdays 10:30 am-12:00 pm: Bocce from April 2nd to June 25th
Head Coach Judy MacDonald
 
To make certain you are registered ahead of time, contact Allyson Pearson imaparadis@dccnet.com
 
Special O is always looking for fresh faces. The Executive would welcome a new Volunteer and Program coordinator. We are also looking for assistant coaches for bocce and softball. Please contact Pat Stuart pat_stuart@dccnet.com
 
As spring sports bloom, the ever-popular curling comes to an end on March 19. Athletes and coaches will celebrate with their traditional Crazy Hat day.
 
Unfortunately, the in-person Athlete Leadership Summit had to be rescheduled. However, Genny Verge will still be able to participate in the near future.
 
The return of the Polar Plunge, sponsored by Prospera Credit Union, is the 2022 fundraiser for SOBC. This year it is even more than a fundraiser. It is a way for many SOBC athletes to interact albeit not all together as pandemic restrictions have made this difficult.
 
Fundraise within your community from March 5th to 20th and come up with COOL and creative ideas for your plunge!  Share on social media and tag Special Olympics BC! 
Register at www.plunge4specialolympics.com.
 
Special Olympic athletes have abilities in many areas other than their chosen sports and although February was Inclusion month we must keep top of mind that Inclusion should happen every month of the year. Many athletes can become isolated if they lack employment opportunities through no fault of their own. We are grateful for those on the Sunshine Coast who embrace the abilities of people with disabilities. Choose to Include!
 
On a more somber note, we honour the memory of Nancy Inglis. Executive Secretary, Pat Stuart released this statement: Nancy was a much-appreciated, member of our Special Olympics Sunshine Coast local.   She started as our executive secretary in September of 2015.  She was always very eloquent and kept excellent records for the organization.  
She also volunteered as an assistant coach with the bocce program for a number of years. She was very supportive of the athletes and made everyone feel included.  We will definitely miss her.

The Orca’s Mission to Adopt A Block has passed our goal of $5,500. The Go Fund Me Orcas page shows $5,935! Other donations will bring the total even higher. Coach Cathy will have more information soon.
 
The swim event on the 29th saw 10 dedicated swimmers - 7 athletes and 3 guests give it their all. Genny Verge, Lisa Wortley, Stephanie Rogers, Angus McTavish, Lindsay Pearson, Hailey Borowski & Mike Oswald, Marilyn & Jack Adams, and Catherine Duncombe, swam in pairs, a half hour each, for a combined total of 5 hours of continuous movement!
 
I was excited that I was able to complete a kilometer in 30 minutes after a year and a half of no swimming,! Kudos to my companion in the next lane Genny Verge for a kilometer and & a half! Because of COVID, I was unable to interview all the other participants but reports are they swam hard and true!
 
The Provincial Challenge Games are underway. Athletes across B.C. are exercising, stretching, drinking water, trying recipes, and collecting points for their Region! Yes, one region will come out on top, but remember our oath! “Let us be brave in the attempt” and realize as long as we are moving, we are winning!
 
The pandemic has done it’s best to keep us apart, but with the emergence of platforms such as Zoom, athletes and coaches adapt! Gibsons Basketball team and Coaches Richard Hoath & Samantha Giampa, have been meeting on Zoom every week since December for a half hour. Fitness and companionship are the main goals. The athletes’ favourite aspects of the meetings are: Seeing each other, exercising, stretching and jokes from Richard Hoath. Overall they give the experience two thumbs up!
 
Special Olympics Sunshine Coast will hold their Annual General Meeting on June 17th at 7pm on Zoom. Athletes and volunteers who have been involved for the past 1–2 years, and have an interest in staying with Special O, will vote in the new executive. For more information please contact Katie Borowski at katborowski@hotmail.com. Topics for the meeting include discussion about the past 2 years, where we go from here, reports from the current coordinators as well as election of the new executive. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, coach or executive member, contact Marney Qually at ronandmarney@gmail.com
 
With vaccines comes hope that soon we can hit the courts, track, softball diamonds and lanes together once more. Till we see each other again, stay safe & kind.

Athlete Reporter Mike Oswald