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.