​Happy 2018 everyone! Special Olympics had a terrific holiday season made even better with donations coming in from our gracious community services.
 
First, the Sechelt H20 Deep Running Class donated $260 to our local. Head Swimming coach Cathy Verge commented that the class donated to the Sunshine Coast Special Olympics as a Thank you for her many years as their instructor. They were quite familiar with her involvement with Special O and the Special Olympics motto, “Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt”. As Cathy says, “We live in such a giving community and their kindness is touching.”
 
Next, at our annual Christmas banquet, the night opened with a donation of $500 from Sechelt Legion Head Paul Lith, and that was followed up by a $1500 donation from Sandi Cavalier and Jordan McCourt.
 
Thanks to these wonderful acts of kindness, the athletes in our local have access up to date equipment, can travel to competitions and so much more. It is really heartwarming the amount of generosity in our amazing community.
 
In addition to financial benefits, our fabulous Christmas banquet also had a great meal, prepared by the Legion Ladies preceded by a performance by Micheal Oswald and Lance Leeson of a Special O song they had written. The big man in red making an appearance to spread cheer and bring presents to athletes followed this. The night closed with a dance to music prepared by athlete Layla Ross who provided the perfect Christmas soundtrack to the evening.
 
As reported previously, Dustin Archer, Brandon Lacey and Stephie Malcom attended the Jon Bailiey Skills Tournament and were proud to bring home first and third place ribbons.
 
The Regional Curling bonspiel is a go. It will be held on Saturday Feb 17th at the Gibsons curling rink. I will bring you the reader the results come event time.
 
In ‘Nationals’ News, Coach Cathy Verge will accompany athletes Genny Verge and Stephanie Rogers to Nova Scotia this summer. Before that she will be taking national athletes Bruce Stuart, Genny Verge & Stephanie Rogers to a training camp on the 5th, 6th & 7th of January. Head Golf coach Darren Lane will be travelling to a different training camp in Victoria with national athletes Chris Walker, Amanda Boghean and Gus Vaughn.
 
As you can see, Special Olympics doesn’t really take a break, it just rests for a few moments! From 2018 to infinity!