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!!

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.

Mike Oswald, Athlete Reporter
February. What. A. Month! Special O on the Coast definitely put the FUN in fundraising!
 
Tim Hortons Donut day was a smashing success across Canada with $884,000 raised in total. SOSC curling team and other athletes and coaches visited the Timmy’s in Gibsons and bought several donuts and encouraged fellow customers to do the same.
 
While I munched, I had a sit down with Gavyn Weiner to discuss his new certification as a Curling coach. Gavyn’s been living on the Sunshine Coast for about 4 years with roots dating back about 20 years. On top of curling, he is also getting involved with the Orca swim team. Gavyn sees the value of Special O and appreciates the enthusiasm of the athletes on the curling team.
 
 “They’re competitive but at the same time it’s a fun environment”. He hopes to work with the more competitive bunch to really develop them into big time challengers taking on Provincial and National competition.
 
All told, it was a great day. Thanks to Assistant Coach Randy for being such a great liaison with Oliver at the Gibsons Tim Hortons and for setting up such a great group photo!
 
Randy Younghusband also wears many other hats including SOSC Local and Program Coordinator working with the Executive to keep everything running smoothly. In addition to being Head Coach of the Sunshine Coast Raven Softball team and Assistant Coach for the Curling team, Randy has also been working at Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living (SCACL) as a Training and Technology Manager for about 20 years. He helps to train onboarding staff while looking after the tech and social media. Outside of S.O. Randy values sports as a tool to unite folks from all walks of life and is involved with other sports in the community. He has acted as a referee for hockey and has played badminton, fast and slo-pitch baseball.
 
You may have already heard about this year’s Plunge that runs from February 17th until March 3rd. Local athletes, community organizations and individuals gathered at Friendship Rotary Park in Sechelt on February 21st the Plunge. Clarence Li, Executive Director and Randy Younghusband, Training and Technology Manager at SCACL organized the event in association with Special Olympics Sunshine Coast. Pizza, Timbits, java and hot chocolate were supplied for the dunkers. The atmosphere for the day was bright, cheery and among the chattering teeth there were smiles aplenty.
 
Donations are still coming in and currently the total for across BC is over forty thousand. Locally, we have raised over five thousand at the time of writing.
 
As March begins, we close the Fall/Winter season with a Regional Qualifier meet for the Orca Swim Team on March 17th. We also begin making plans for the Spring/Summer sports to launch in April. Bocce, Golf, Soccer, Softball and Track will be raring to go.
 
Stay tuned for times and venues in my next article where I’ll also report the results from the Swim Meet.
 
 

However, we must start with some sad news in our little corner of the S.O. world. Beloved curling and bocce coach Bill Climie has passed away, after a long time in and out of hospital. He was instrumental in bringing curling to our local and also recruiting our volunteers. He will be sorely missed and proudly remembered.

In more hoop news from previous interviews, Richard Hoath, Gibsons Basketball and soccer coach for 12 years finds watching his athletes benefit from his tutelage rewarding. Richard is also our website operator. Wearing so many hats doesn’t seem to faze him and we are all the better for it.
 
Destiny Wallbaum, an athlete with SOSC for 4 years enjoys both softball and basketball and is dynamic on both fronts. She finds the art of sport fun and will “keep on keeping on.” We also noted that Destiny’s recent birthday was celebrated on CTV Morning Live. It might be that you’re Destined for great things!
 
I’ve recently heard rumblings about a Polar Bear Plunge on February 28th involving SCACL and SOSC. Few details are available at the moment except that all are invited to attend and get wet from executive to athletes. There also will be hot drinks and yum yums for everyone who joins in the fun.
 
The Special Olympics Donut at Tim Hortons in support of Special Olympics Canada is the latest in Timmy’s & Special O’s examples of unity. On February 2nd to 4th one can visit their local Tim’s and purchase a donut, with 100% of proceeds going towards Special Olympics across Canada.
 
Tim Hortons has been a supporter of S.O. since 2016 helping in such initiatives as ActiveStart and National Games and spreading our message through this wonderful and yummy event.
 
Locally, February 3rd will be our day to celebrate. Some athletes will be on hand in Gibsons to show support and to share information about our Local and how our members help to enrich the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Of course, purchasing a donut to support the cause would not be discouraged!
 
Finally, shout out to Randy Younghusband, a Special O coach, Local Coordinator, SCACL staff member and all around decent guy. Due to scheduling conflicts a one on one interview was not possible but I’m hoping to bring that to you in the future.
 
Keep your eyes open and spirits high!

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 [email protected].
 
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 [email protected]. 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!