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May 2024 Spotlight on Special Olympics

4/29/2024

 
By Athlete Reporter Mike Oswald.
 
MAY I welcome you, S.O. fans, to our latest update?
 
Volunteer week ran from April 14th to 20th. Many things happened to celebrate these amazing folks. Among these, SOBC created a virtual Volunteer Games along with a bit of bingo that helped bring these individuals together to laugh, have fun connect and win prizes.
 
Locally a Volunteer Fair was held on the 13th of April at The Seniors Centre that featured countless organizations from The Food Bank to the Hospital Auxiliary. Hosted by The Rotary Club, it shed an important light on how needed and essential these services are.
 
SOBC tells us that across BC, a little over a thousand volunteers help sports programs run and make a difference in thousands of lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Prior to the pandemic however, that number was much higher. The goal today is to have those numbers reach previous levels.
 
And I’ve said before, to be a volunteer in any capacity is infinitely rewarding, but especially in Special O. Not only do the athletes benefit, so do you, when you see the accomplishments of athletes and the pride and joy of their families.
 
If you are thinking of giving time to this terrific cause;
Go to: www.specialolympicssunshinecoast.ca
 
And tell your friends.
 
As an athlete, I benefit from the dedication of our SOSC volunteers whether they are Coaches or the many other types of helpers. Regardless of the position, all are vital to helping our programs run all year long.
 
 Even our amazing Special O athletes also give their time as volunteers at places that have personal meaning to them. For me, it’s the local SPCA. In fact some opportunities I began as a volunteer have since turned into paid employment. This is often the case with many of my fellow sportsters as well.
 
As mentioned in my last article, our Local, Special Olympics Sunshine Coast is celebrating 30 years of sports, laughs, sweat and smiles. This will be an opportunity to celebrate our athletes and families, their accomplishments and our growth in the community over the past 30 years.
 
We will especially celebrate and thank our volunteers past and present and open the door to anyone who may wish to join our ranks in whatever way possible – coaches, executive members, donors or supporter of any variety.

Here is your personal invitation.  
 
You are invited!!
 
Special Olympics Sunshine Coast is celebrating 30 years on the Sunshine Coast.
 
Thank you for helping our athletes grow, develop skills and accomplish their goals.
 
Join us SUNDAY MAY 26, 2024, Dougall Park, Gibsons 2-4pm
 
We will be acknowledging our coaches, athletes and donors.
We will celebrate with a game of Bocce and a BBQ and cake.
 
Thank you for your support over the years – we couldn’t have done it without you!!
www.specialolympicssunshinecoast.ca
 
See you at the party!!

April 2024 Spotlight on Special Olympics

4/9/2024

 
Along with Spring, we welcome Spring Sports!
 
Soccer stars will run the field with Head Coach Richard Hoath at Gibsons Elementary Mondays 6-7:30 opening April 8th. Bases will be loaded for Softball on Tuesdays at Hackett Park with Head Coach Randy Younghusband from
6:30-8. Tania Finnigan, Head Coach of Track will once more work on her athletes’ strengths every Wednesday at Elphinstone track from 6-7 starting on April 10th. Golfers will putt the green with Head Coach Chuck Bertrand on Wednesdays as well starting April 10th at Blue Ocean Golf Club. Elphinstone will also host Bocce as players will bask in the sun with Head Coach Judy MacDonald from 12-1 on Saturdays beginning April 6th.
 
The four-year cycle of major competitions is also underway with Regional Qualifiers. Most recently Orca swimmers Amber Fenton, Stephanie Rogers, Lindsay Pearson, Hailie Borowski & Genny Verge traveled to Coquitlam for a swimming qualifier and are reported to have all finished with fresh brand new Personal Best times! Next after qualifiers are Provincial Summer Games, which will take place in 2025 in Prince George. Following those games are National and then Worlds.
 
The Winter National Games in Calgary had 4000 people visit and take part in a week of competition where memories were made and friendships cemented.
Team BC brought 141 athletes along for the ride and came home with 135 medals! WOW!!
 
This May represents a milestone for our Little Local that could. We’ve been in the game for 30 Years! From 5 pin bowling humble beginnings to swimming, track and many others along with many, medals and tons of ribbons, SOSC has truly proved itself a force to be reckoned with!
 
On May 26th from 2-4 at Dougall Park we will be celebrating our achievements and remembering what makes us Special! Everyone is invited. We look forward to sharing our smiles with the community. Keep an eye out for more information, coming to an article near you as well as other postings.
 
Of course, so much of what keeps our programs running is the donation of both time and money from dedicated and generous community members and organizations. Sunshine Coast Self Storage has stepped up for Special O with their significant contribution to our cause! Many Thanks from all the Athletes and Coaches.
 
Nature is waking up. Birds are a’ singing and the sun is shining! The outdoors are calling.

    Author

    Micheal Oswald is the "media man" / athlete reporter for Special Olympics Sunshine Coast.  You can frequently find him out at the many events our local hosts, whether it be taking photos or interviewing participants and/or coaches.  His work is published in our local media and beyond, including an article in the Huffington Post.

    Micheal is also the author of the book I Am A Man Who Cries. The book is a heartfelt compilation of essays, songs and poems - many of which address the experiences and challenges Micheal has faced as a person living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 

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