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AUGUST COLUMN: DonutS, SUPPORTERS, AND MEDALS

7/30/2018

 
The Special Olympics universe is vast, encompassing many aspects of life, from health, community inclusion, athleticism, and many kinds of support.
 
Soccer and floor hockey head coach Mike Gojevic, recently made his debut at the National Transplant Games at UBC where he snagged a gold and two silvers in golf, lawn bowling and 10-pin. No mean feat.
 
Mike not only devotes major time to Special O but is also an active participant and was this year’s B.C.’s team manager during that monumental event for transplant survivors.
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​Special Olympics celebrated 50 years of inclusion on July 21st all across Canada. At participating Tim Hortons a special donut created by Special Olympics Alberta athlete Savannah Lussier was sold with proceeds going to fund Special Olympics.

Many athletes, coaches, family & friends on the Coast came out to Timmy’s in Gibsons and enjoyed munching, and socializing whilst promoting Special Olympics. A good time was had by all.
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As a grassroots non-profit organization, Special Olympics depends on volunteerism and other forms of community support. This allows our athletes opportunities to participate in the sports offered here on the Coast. From pool and gym rentals to equipment, uniform and travel costs, the generous backing of our own community helps covers them all and our athletes and coaches play a key role in raising awareness and funds.
 
Genny Verge, athlete and Local Coordinator Pat Stuart delivered a speech to The 100 Women Who Care group who donated $4,000. They have also invited Genny and Coach Cathy to return in September to share their experience at the National Games.
 
Athletes Bruce Stuart, Candice Garrett and Wes Harrison enjoyed serving pancakes at The Gibsons Legion Community Days breakfast before the Show and Shine Motorcycle Ride. At that time, the Legion generously donated $500 to Special Olympics Sunshine Coast.
 
The Gibsons Lions Club also donated $500 to our Sunshine Coast team competing at the SO National Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
 
Finally, our thanks go to Unifor Local 1119. President Don Rheaume, on behalf of the workers at Howe Sound Pulp & Paper, donated $500 in support of SOBC Sunshine Coast.
 
It is people and organizations like this that help make Special O on the Coast, shine.
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One of our SOSC athletes made news at the BC Summer Games in Comox BC July 19-21. Amber Maher competed in Track and Field and returned toting 7 medals; gold for long jump, shotput and 800 metre and silver for the 100, 200 and 400-metre and a relay! Holy Agility Batman! Way to go Amber!
 
That about does it for this month! Remember, the summer flies by quickly and registration will be coming up in September. And on and on it goes in the world of Special O!

​Michael Oswald


LIVING THE OATH: FIFTY YEARS OF SPECIAL O

7/19/2018

 
Fifty years of Special Olympics – Wow! I remember a bowling alley in Gibsons in the nineties where I got my first taste.

Back then, bowling was the only sport we had. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and parents, after bowling was over, there were lots more sports to play. Years later, in 2008, I again joined our esteemed ranks at the age of twenty-six. By that time there was softball, track and field, golf, swimming and other sports. But we’ll get to that later. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Fifty years ago, a woman named Eunice Kennedy Shriver had a sister named Rosemary who had an intellectual disability. Eunice sought inclusion for all those with an I.D. She founded the Special Olympics as a tribute to that ideal and her love for her sibling.

Meanwhile in the north end of the world, Dr. Frank Hayden from the University of Toronto was working on research that undid the claim that people with intellectual disabilities could not compete in sports. On July 20, 1968, the first Special O world games were held on Soldier Field in Chicago. A year later, Dr. Frank started a chapter in Canada.

Present day, Sunshine Coast: there are sixty plus athletes, forty-five volunteers, and eleven sports in Special Olympics Sunshine Coast. We have had athletes attend competitions in the Lower Mainland, Kamloops, and as far away as Greece.

I myself have been to two Provincial Games, once in 2013 and again in 2017. I am a swimmer and track and field athlete, and I also play bocce. I am a proud Special Olympian and that’s something I will be for as long as I breathe.

So this is a call to ALL chapters, regions, and locals in the Special O universe and those wishing to know more. Volunteer, become an athlete, and you’ll find a world that will not only open your eyes but open your heart. Together world wide let’s celebrate the oath we have lived for fifty years…

​Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

Michael Oswald

LOCAL ATHLETES HEAD TO National GAMES

7/4/2018

 
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​Special Olympics athletes travelling to the National Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from July 30-August 6 were honoured at the SOSC Annual General Meeting on June 25. Swimmers Genny Verge and Stephanie Rogers, and softball players Amanda Boghean and Chris Walker are pictured here with Head swim Coach Cathy Verge and Provincial Executive Members Chelsea Rogers and Darren Inouye after receiving their fancy travel bags containing all they will need for their big adventure..
 
Missing from photo Golf athlete Gus Vaughn and Head Golf Coach Darren Lane.
 
Photo Credit: Pat Stuart

Canada Day PARADE in SECHELT WITH THE LIONS

7/1/2018

 
Special Olympic Sunshine Coast athletes, coaches and executive members accepted The Lions Club invitation to walk in the Canada Day Parade in Sechelt on July 1st. The Lions have been dedicated supporters of all things Special O and the athletes were pleased to be a part of this event.
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Some of the attendees are shown in the photo below. Back row L-R Michael Brooks, Katie Borowski, Ralf Borowski, Sarah Black, Hailey Borowski and Micheal Oswald Front row L-R Chris Walker, Christel Jensen and Jordan McCourt.
 
Photo Credit: Robert Wotton
 
Mike Oswald Athlete Reporter July 2, 2018

    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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