Special Olympics BC

British Columbia

Winter 2015

Awesome achievements by Special Olympics Team Canada 2015

Special Olympics Team Canada returned home from the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games laden with hardware, having earned 144 medals and achieved many goals and personal-best performances. “There is no better word to describe Team Canada’s performance at the World Games than awesome. We shattered expectations, set a new standard for National Team excellence and represented our country with great class,” said Johnny Byrne, Team Canada Chef de Mission. “I could not be more proud of our athletes and coaches and how they performed on and off the playing field. We return home knowing that we achieved our goals and honoured our great country.” Held July 25 to August 2, the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games saw more than 6,000 athletes from 165 countries converge to compete in Los Angeles. Team Canada 2015 included 57 athletes and 18 coaches and mission staff members from B.C. The athletes thrived in their nine sports, earning 39 of the team’s 144 medals Joanne Bunnin of SOBC and representing their province and country – Chilliwack jumps for joy after successfully with great skill, sportsmanship, and dignity. completing all of her World Games lifts. continued on page 6

Special Olympics BC — An Accredited Chapter of Special Olympics Canada How to reach us Celebrating 35 years of Special Olympics BC Dan Howe, President & CEO Direct line: 604-737-3079 Email: [email protected] In 2015, the Year of Sport in Canada, Special with me,’ and that’s what guys did.” Christina Hadley, Vice President, Fund Olympics BC turned 35! We were excited to – Colin MacKinnon speaking on then- Development & Communications celebrate this birthday and are so grateful to Canucks player Tiger Williams who Direct line: 604-737-3073 the amazing athletes, coaches, volunteers, started the Tiger Williams Golf Classic for Email: [email protected] family members, sponsors, supporters, and SOBC in 1982 and hosted the fundraiser for Lois McNary, Vice President, Sport fans who have helped SOBC change lives 20 years. The tournament eventually became Direct line: 604-737-3117 through sport for three and a half decades. the Goldcorp Invitational Golf Tournament, Email: [email protected] Back in 1980, Special Olympics was just a one of SOBC’s most successful fundraisers Michelle Cruickshank, Manager, Community concept in B.C., with two annual track and today. MacKinnon has been a key member of Development (Region 6) Cell phone: 250-208-5402 field events in Prince George and , the organizing committee for the fundraiser’s Email: [email protected] an independent track team in Burnaby, various incarnations since 1983, has worked Shawn Fevens, Manager, Sport and several floor hockey teams in Greater tirelessly as the second-longest-serving SOBC Direct line: 604-737-3055 Vancouver, all operating separately from each Board member, and has served as Chair of the Email: [email protected] other. Board for both SOBC and Special Olympics Charlene Flood, Manager, Community SOBC officially incorporated in November Canada. Development (Regions 7 & 8) 1980, and Cell phone: 250-570-1455 Email: [email protected] 35 years later, we now provide year-round, “People kept coming, and it seemed like it high-quality sport programs and competitions was meant to be. Some of those coaches Megan Grittani-Livingston, Manager, Communications for more than 4,400 athletes in are still involved, and some of those young Direct line: 604-737-3077 57 communities around the province, thanks to student volunteers. I couldn’t have done Email: [email protected] the vital efforts of more than 3,400 dedicated it without all those people who coached Jill Harris, Manager, Community Development volunteers and the support of generous and volunteered and travelled. There were (Region 1) Cell phone: 250-919-0757 sponsors. always people there when I needed them. It Email: [email protected] was in the universe to happen.” Reanne Holden, Manager, Community “We were for the most part young and keen – Cherald Tutt, who gave much of her time Development (Region 2) and willing to do whatever it took to get and energy as the SOBC – Local Cell phone: 778-581-0511 programs established. We really learned Coordinator getting the Local started in 1985 Email: [email protected] from each other and many of the volunteers until 1990. Morgan Hunter, Manager, Health and Sport Science were teachers and Parks and Recreation Direct line: 604-737-3081 personnel.” “The push came from the parents and Email: [email protected] – Marilyn McLean, one of the founding relatives of Special Olympics athletes. I Eliot James, Communications Coordinator champions of Special Olympics in this attended the first meeting they had in Direct line: 604-737-3042 province and current SOBC – Kamloops Local Campbell River in a little restaurant. There Email: [email protected] Coordinator. was about 50 people there. They wanted Carolyn McCarthy, Manager, Fund my help because I was doing broadcasting Development & LETR Liaison Direct line: 604-737-3056 “It was a cause Dave [“Tiger” Williams] all over the country, and they wanted me to Email: [email protected] was passionate about, and with Dave’s find a personality they could hang their hat Lauren Openshaw, Office Administrator personality others wanted to get involved. on, who would be with Special Olympics for Direct line: 604-737-3078 He very much stepped up and said, ‘we’re years to come, but everyone was busy.” Email: [email protected] doing great things with the athletes, come – Howie Meeker, who has been a staunch Josh Pasnak, Manager, Finance & Administration Direct line: 604-737-3180 Email: [email protected] Charlotte Taylor, Manager, Fund Development Direct line: 604-737-3059 Email: [email protected] Leslie Thornley, Manager, Sport Cell phone: 250-317-1272 Email: [email protected] Sarah Wall, Manager, Community Development (Regions 3, 4 & 5) Direct line: 604-737-3125 Email: [email protected] Emma Woo, Manager, Sport Cell phone: 604-616-1342 Email: [email protected] Find Special Olympics BC online www.specialolympics.bc.ca Facebook: specialolympicsbc Twitter: @sobcsociety The first-ever Team BC in 1981.

2 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Celebrating 35 years of Special Olympics BC Government of

supporter of SOBC – Campbell , and an inductee River for nearly three decades into the Order of Canada. B.C. a vital backer became that personality, giving his name and presence to the Special “We’ve come a long way, a long way of SOBC youth, Olympics Howie Meeker Classic golf indeed.” tournament, now in its 27th year. – Anne Tilley, a member of SOBC’s health programs, Meeker is the winner of four Stanley first Board of Directors speaking at Cups and a Calder Trophy with the the 2015 SOBC Leadership Summit. competition Maple Leafs, a member of the Thanks to the support of the Government of B.C., Special Olympics BC is the place where young athletes such as Katie Oliver can take stage. “Special Olympics gives her the opportunity to train and compete as an athlete, just as she has watched her brother in his own activities. With Special Olympics, she feels like the star of her own show,” the Oliver family said after the 2015 SOBC Youth Sports Day. The Government of B.C.’s longtime support has allowed SOBC to offer more life-changing experiences and programs to athletes of all ages. Financially, between the government’s funding of sport and funds received through Community Gaming Grants from the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, SOBC received more than $445,000 in 2015. SOBC Locals also received gaming grants to support their year-round programs. This significant level of funding is much appreciated and put to good use in expanding opportunities. Funds received help reduce costs of programs and competitions, host sport camps and events, transport athletes and coaches, and create new opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and coaches. Tiger Williams with Special Olympics athletes. SOBC has also been able to expand its Healthy Athletes screenings with financial support from the B.C. government, helping address the unique health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The program has huge benefits for SOBC athletes like Corey Yee, who used to resist going to dental and medical appointments because of discomfort and unfamiliarity. At the 2015 SOBC Healthy Athletes Screening Day in Vancouver, Yee’s aunt was astounded to see him agreeably letting practitioners take his blood pressure, clean his teeth, and check his feet, encouraged by the positive environment and the practitioners trained to work with people with intellectual disabilities. The Government of B.C.’s Sport Branch has also been a tremendous source of assistance and resources to SOBC. Understanding and supporting SOBC’s goals, Sport Branch staff have been working hard to open doors and inform us of other resources, contacts, and opportunities. This is invaluable as we grow programs, reach out to more athletes, increase the and quality of competitions, and create opportunities. SOBC is extremely grateful for the support of the Government of B.C. If you have a moment, thank your local Longtime supporters Marilyn McLean, Anne Tilley, and Marnie Carter at the MLA for this support as it truly makes a difference. 2015 SOBC Leadership Summit.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 3 2015 Special Olympics BC award winners Athletic Achievement Award – Vancouver), Kellie Robertson (SOBC – Surrey), programs possible—on the weekends she Ashley Rosenberger (SOBC – Abbotsford), can be found at fundraising events such as Special Olympics BC – Abbotsford athlete Mike Darien Tielemans (SOBC – Cowichan Valley), the Safeway campaign with the bowling Palitti has trained and competed hard to win and Cullen Yee (SOBC – Richmond). team helping raise funds for needed items. medals on the track, and after an outstanding The greatest gifts she gives are her time, her performance at the Special Olympics Canada Grassroots Coach Award smile, and her ever-encouraging words to each 2014 Summer Games in Vancouver, Palitti athlete. earned a spot on Special Olympics Team Jeannie Cramer of Special Olympics BC Congratulations to Cramer and nominees Canada to race at the 2015 Special Olympics – Smithers has been a dedicated Special Collin Berdusco (SOBC – Trail), Greg Bodin World Summer Games. Olympics coach for nearly 20 years. As her (SOBC – Coquitlam), Brian Gaudet (SOBC With a history of achievement in both Local’s 5-pin bowling head coach, Cramer – Abbotsford), Donny Gillanders (SOBC – summer and winter sports, Palitti is the is known for nourishing the ability in every Richmond), Michelle Goosen (SOBC – Grand deserving winner of SOBC’s 2015 Athletic athlete and finding creative ways for athletes Forks), Ann Jorgensen (SOBC – Campbell Achievement Award. to participate both within and outside of the River), Alison Koyanagi (SOBC – Vancouver), This all-around athlete has been involved SO community. She is the deserving winner of Rod McKenzie (SOBC – Surrey), Dave Robson with SOBC for 15 years and also participates SOBC’s 2015 Grassroots Coach Award. (SOBC – Quesnel), Susan Storry (SOBC – Powell in , curling, floor hockey, softball. Over the years Cramer has also coached River), and Bev Whitehead (SOBC – Comox He always has a kind word for his teammates athletics, bocce, floor hockey, and soccer. As the Valley). and coaches and is a winner with his modest, head coach for bowling, she plans and organizes hardworking, courteous nature. competitions. Cramer is known for her excellent Howard Carter Award On the track, Palitti went up against the best work in preparing athletes for practice and athletes in the country at the 2014 National competitions, and has year-end awards to Known for his exceptional sport experience, Games and ran the races of his athletic career. acknowledge each athlete’s progress. outstanding rapport with his athletes, and He won gold in the 100-metre, gold in the Cramer is tireless in her efforts to support dedicated involvement with Special Olympics 200-metre, silver in the 800-metre, silver in athletes and is quick to address their concerns for more than 25 years, Special Olympics BC – long jump, and bronze in the 400-metre, and or those of their caregivers. Abbotsford coach Tom Norton is the deserving he achieved personal bests in each event. She has attended many professional winner of SOBC’s 2015 Howard Carter Award. After winning the 2015 Athletic development opportunities, and is a fully An RCMP member, Norton first got involved Achievement Award, Palitti went on to win certified level 1 coach in theory, practical and in the movement in 1990 as part of the Law gold in the 4x400 men’s relay, and to place technical, and Making Ethical Decisions, as well Enforcement Torch Run, and has been a Special fourth and fifth in the 400- and 500-metre runs as a level 2 coach for 5-pin bowling. Olympics coach for the last 10 years. As an respectively at the 2015 World Games. Cramer also willingly goes above and beyond SOBC – Abbotsford athletics coach, he brings Congratulations to Palitti and nominees her sport role to help make Special Olympics to bear more than 30 years of experience as a Brogan Beliveau (SOBC – Grand Forks), Nicky Chow (SOBC – Richmond), Cory Duhaime (SOBC – Delta), Michelle Forberg (SOBC – Campbell River), Stuart Hawton (SOBC – Trail), Jake Hooper (SOBC – Courtenay/Comox), Sherri Lines (SOBC – Courtenay/Comox), Todd Moore (SOBC – Abbotsford), Alex Pang (SOBC

Mike Palitti Jeannie Cramer with SOBC – Smithers athletes

4 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Tubman does it all, helping to strengthen the Local and provide high-quality experiences for athletes and volunteers. She has also helped develop policies and implement and host annual strategic planning sessions for the Executive Committee. While Tubman didn’t have a background with Special Olympics when she started, she “dove into her position with gusto,” her nominators wrote, and “applied her leadership skills, work ethic, and innate curiosity to grasp the working of the organization and then make it grow.” She has earned respect with the SOBC – Victoria community and treats everyone else with respect in turn. Tom Norton “Our Local has successfully increased former competitive athlete and coach. its number of sports and recruited quality Norton is an outstanding coach at the local volunteers, thanks to Margot’s commitment to level and as a member of nine Special Olympics excellence,” her nominators wrote. regional and provincial teams (for both SO and Congratulations to Tubman and nominees generic Games), two Special Olympics national Chuck Yee (SOBC – Richmond), Geoff Uttley teams (2011 and 2015), and a local training (SOBC – Surrey), Jenny Wong (SOBC – coach for athletes going to Special Olympics Vancouver), Joanne Thom (SOBC – Kimberley/ Provincial and National Games. Cranbrook), Julie McIntyre (SOBC – Kelowna), In addition to coaching track and field and Rick Stanley (SOBC – ), Sandra Galletti Club Fit with SOBC – Abbotsford, Norton is (Regional Coordinator, Region 8), and Terri Ryan Stewart (centre) also responsible for the Local’s Performance Stanko (SOBC – Cowichan Valley). Program athletes, with whom he works Olympics BC Winter Games, his reaction to develop and implement yearly training showed great sportsmanship. Then he was programs. invited to join one of SOBC – Vancouver’s floor “Always being firm, fair, decisive, and most hockey teams to compete at the Provincial importantly instilling the desire to excel, Games in Kamloops; he and his team won gold he leads by example and doesn’t ask from and have qualified to be part of Team BC for his athletes what he doesn’t ask of himself. the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter … His insight and patience to orchestrate Games in Newfoundland and Labrador. guaranteed success for an athlete not only “At floor hockey, Ryan works hard and tries builds their confidence and self-esteem but to improve his personal best each time,” his provides a huge sense of accomplishment,” his nominators wrote. “He is enthusiastic and nominators wrote. hardworking. Ryan has increased his stamina Congratulations to Norton and nominees and strength, and that has supported his Alan Prough (SOBC – Trail), Ben Postmus efforts in all sports.” (SOBC – Trail), Garth Vickers (SOBC – Kelowna), Stewart is a great asset as a volunteer George Maclagan (SOBC – Campbell River), and advocate, helping out at fundraising and Jessica Chapelski (SOBC – Vancouver), Michael awareness events, serving as an active member Blaschuk (SOBC – Surrey), and Nikki Apps Margot Tubman and leader with the SOBC – Richmond Athlete (SOBC – Comox Valley). Council, and assisting the SOBC – Richmond Spirit of Sport Award FUNdamentals program. President’s Award Congratulations to Ryan and nominees As an active multi-sport athlete, a true team Charlie Kain (SOBC – Grand Forks), David Special Olympics BC – Victoria Executive player, and a great advocate for Special Marsters (SOBC – Campbell River), Dawn Committee members feel Margot Tubman Olympics, Ryan Stewart of Special Olympics Hadler (SOBC – Salt Spring Island), Derek has raised the bar for their Local, and this BC – Richmond is the deserving winner of Santema (SOBC – Abbotsford), Eddie Chen hardworking, organized, and energetic SOBC’s 2015 Spirit of Sport Award. (SOBC – Vancouver), Glenda Melnychuk Volunteer Coordinator is the deserving winner Stewart has been a Special Olympics athlete (SOBC – Quesnel), James Clifford (SOBC of SOBC’s 2015 President’s Award. for more than 12 years, and has become known – Abbotsford), Jeremy Cheverie (SOBC – In her five years with SOBC – Victoria, Tubman for his friendly, cheerful, and supportive nature Victoria), Joshua French (SOBC – Abbotsford), has made a significant impact through her and his dedication to Special Olympics. He is Julie Black (SOBC – Cowichan Valley), Kelsey dedication and willingness to step up and help always one of the first to congratulate fellow Thomson (SOBC – Richmond), Matthew Lai when needed so the Local can run smoothly. athletes on their wins and accomplishments, (SOBC – Richmond), Michaela Robinson (SOBC From supporting SOBC – Victoria’s team and one of the first to step forward to – Surrey), Nick Toner (SOBC – Nelson), Scott of 120-plus volunteers to helping at special volunteer at special functions. Jonasson (SOBC – Quesnel), Shelley Marinus events, recruiting volunteers, and planning While Stewart was initially disappointed (SOBC – Comox Valley), and Simone Myers the launch of a new FUNdamentals program, that he did not qualify for the 2015 Special (SOBC – Port Alberni)

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 5 Special Olympics Team Canada 2015 B.C. results 10-Pin Bowling Athletes Annabelle Davis Vancouver 10-pin bowling • Gold - Bowling Doubles • Gold - Bowling Singles • Gold - Bowling Team (with Huff) Jake Huff Penticton 10-pin bowling • Gold - Bowling Team (with Davis) • Silver - Bowling Singles • 4th - Bowling Doubles Austin Johnston Abbotsford 10-pin bowling • Gold - Bowling Singles • Silver - Bowling Team (with Renner and Summer) • Silver - Bowling Doubles SOBC’s Team Canada bowlers Austin Johnston, Kara Summer, Linda Renner, Annabelle Davis, and Jake Huff show off their World Games hardware. Linda Renner Prince George 10-pin bowling • Silver - Bowling Team (with Johnston and Coaches Jeff Leung Vancouver Summer) Alexander Pang Vancouver • 5th - Bowling Doubles Aleila Miller, Head Coach Smithers Alastair Singh Langley • 6th - Bowling Singles Deborah Carter Surrey Matthew Williams Langley Kara Summer Cowichan Valley 10-pin bowling Tom Norton Abbotsford Sangeon Yoo North Shore • Silver - Bowling Team (with Johnston and Renner) SOBC – Coquitlam athlete Mandy Manzardo Coaches • Silver - Bowling Singles captured Team Canada’s first medal of the Jayne Baggott North Shore • 5th - Bowling Doubles Games by winning bronze in the 10,000-metre run at USC’s Loker Stadium. She and teammate Zak Klein North Shore Annabelle Davis of SOBC – Vancouver became Jimmy Peterson North Shore a triple gold medallist at these World Games as Maxime Duguay of made their mark as she won gold in singles bowling as well as gold the first Special Olympics Canada athletes to compete in the 10,000-metre event at World in team and doubles play. Every Team Canada In their bronze-medal match against Belgium, bowler won a medal at these Games! Games. Team Canada athletics built a moving Team Canada kept the score close throughout “It was amazing competition. Everybody was the game, but Belgium was able to break so friendly, and very skilled. I competed as best relationship with Team Haiti during the World I could in my division,” Davis told Breakfast Games. Coach Deborah Carter of SOBC – through on the scoreboard in the third quarter Television Vancouver host Riaz Meghji in an Surrey, who adopted her daughter Alyssah and ultimately Team Canada came up just on-air appearance after Team Canada returned from Haiti nearly 20 years ago, organized a short, losing 39-33. home. Team Canada donation drive of clothing and “It’s a dream come true,” SOBC – Vancouver goods that the athletes gave to Team Haiti. athlete Shane Carr said. “We have left a legacy for Team Canada, one we can all be proud of,” Carter said. “It was just the most inspiring event that Athletics we’ve ever been to, probably two of the Athletes best weeks of our lives. The enormity of the Robert Burns Comox Valley Athletics Basketball: 4th Place support across L.A., across California—all of • Gold - Standing Long Jump Athletes the people, all of the police officers, all of the teams and athletes—everybody was involved, • Silver - 50m Run Nicholas Bobek Vancouver university students, volunteers… Everyone just Jeneka Grief Kelowna Athletics Shane Carr Vancouver embraced the Games and the events,” SOBC • Silver - 4x100 Relay (with Manzardo) Casey Cochran Vancouver – North Shore coach Jimmy Peterson told • Bronze - Shotput Women 3 kg Michelle Forberg Campbell River Breakfast Television Vancouver. • 4th - 400m Run Jacky Law Vancouver Mandy Manzardo Coquitlam Athletics • Silver - 4x100 Relay (with Greif) • Bronze - 10,000m Run • Bronze - 5,000m Run Mike Palitti Abbotsford Athletics • Gold - 4x400 men’s relay • 4th - 400m run • 5th - 200m run

Jeneka Greif of SOBC – Kelowna charges toward the finish line at USC’s Katherine B. SOBC – Langley athlete Alastair Singh goes up for a big block against Belgium in the Loker Stadium. bronze-medal game.

6 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Bocce: Bronze in team event Golf Athletes Athlete Margaret Burnell Penticton Kyle Grummett Kelowna • Bronze - Bocce Doubles (with Kevin Ellis) • Bronze - Golf Level 5 Chad Conlon Penticton Coach • Gold - Bocce Singles Ben Postmus Trail • 6th - Bocce Doubles (with Lynden Hicks) The first golfers ever to represent Special Kevin Ellis Penticton Olympics Canada at a World Games had a • Bronze - Bocce Doubles (with Burnell) strong showing on the Harding Course, with • 5th - Bocce Singles the five golfers earning four medals and one fourth-place finish in Levels 4 and 5 play. Lynden Hicks Penticton Kelowna’s Kyle Grummett was the team’s only • Gold - Bocce Singles Level 5 golfer playing 18 holes, and he came • 6th - Bocce Doubles (with Chad Conlon) back on the final day to win a bronze medal in Ben Willms Kelowna a tie. • Gold - Bocce Singles All of the Team Canada golfers had their best round of the tournament on the final Coach day, showing they can come through under Kelowna’s Kyle Grummett goes for the green at Dona Cade Penticton pressure. the Harding Course. SOBC – Penticton athletes Margaret Burnell, Chad Conlon, Kevin Ellis, and Lynden Hicks Soccer: 4th Place Powerlifting teamed up with SOBC – Kelowna athlete Athletes Athlete Ben Willms and coach Dona Cade of SOBC – Penticton to be the first-ever Special Olympics Adam Advocaat Coquitlam Joanne Bunnin Chilliwack Team Canada bocce team. Liam Barry Mission • Gold - Female Dead Lift After winning bronze in team play made Tony Carter Mission • Gold - Female Bench Press the athletes Canada’s first-ever World Games Jeremy Cheverie Victoria • Gold - Female Combination B & DL bocce medallists, the team members were Chris Hamilton Abbotsford Coach thrilled. “I was so happy to win,” said Burnell, Tom Hanna Mission Ken Saunders Kelowna the eldest member of Team Canada at age Mitchell Howell Mission 69. She felt she was “doing something for Justin King Mission Canada.” Amanda Peebles Mission SOBC – Chilliwack athlete Joanne Bunnin set “I was just so happy to be up there,” Willms a personal best in dead lift at 120 kilograms, Bryce Schaufelberger Mission said. “Winning a bronze medal among 96 rising above her intent weight of 117.5 teams, that’s amazing. And I was thinking how Coaches kilograms that her coach bumped up to a proud I am of all of us.” Vincent Astoria Abbotsford personal best. She equalled her personal best Stuart Coates Mission in bench at 52.5 kilograms. John Scholtes Mission “Now I can go home with a gold and show everyone what I did!” a delighted Bunnin said after concluding her events. The Team Canada soccer squad with players from Mission, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, and Victoria placed fourth after falling 2-1 in their hard-fought bronze-medal game. Making it all the way to the World Games was a joy, Head Coach John Scholtes said, and the players gave their all in every game and delivered performances to be proud of. “They’ve had a blast, and they did the best they could,” Scholtes said. “I’m proud of the guys. Maybe next time we’ll do it again. … But Team Canada bocce players Chad Conlon, just to be here is fantastic.” Lynden Hicks, Margaret Burnell, Ben Willms, and Kevin Ellis beam after the four-player team won bronze.

Team Canada softball players Ryan Courtemanche, Brad Hogan, Chris Roberge, Andrew McIntyre, Richard Gillis, and Chris Harrington with coach Ian Olive (centre back) getting set for the Opening Ceremony.

The Team Canada soccer team from B.C.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 7 Softball: Bronze Coach Marie Telder Sunshine Coast Aquatics Athletes Karl Anderson Coquitlam SOBC – Richmond athlete Magnus Batara was the only Canadian swimmer to win four gold James Blacke Kelowna medals, reaching the top of the podium in the Ryan Courtemanche Kelowna 100-metre butterfly, 100-metre breaststroke, Richard Gillis Kelowna 200-metre breaststroke, and 4x100 men’s Chris Harrington Kelowna medley relay. He recorded the fastest 100m Brad Hogan Comox Valley butterfly time at the 2015 World Games, Jim Laitar Surrey winning his heat in a time of 1:14.00. Jonathan MacDonald Kelowna SOBC – Langley swimmer Joshua Low pulled Jake MacFarlane Kelowna out all the stops to win Team Canada’s first Andrew McIntyre Kelowna gold medal of the Games, winning his division in the 25-metre backstroke on the first day of Dale Ramsden Kelowna competition. Chris Roberge Comox Valley “I’m the first person to win gold for Team David Scott Kelowna Canada!” said Low, who never expected to win Danny Sperling Kelowna a gold at Games. Carl Willing Surrey SOBC – Kelowna swimmer Kelsey Wyse raced with the Team Canada 4x50m medley Coach relay team that set a new World Games best- Lorena Mead Kelowna on-record mark with their time of 2:48.61. Ian Olive Kelowna Dennis Richardson Kelowna Mission Staff The core of the team is comprised of members Leslie Thornley of the SOBC – Kelowna Grizzlies softball Ryan Courtemanche of SOBC – Kelowna SOBC Manager, Sport, Coach & Youth Development team, and many of these team members have relishes the moment with Team Canada on the Mission Staff previous experience with pivotal World Games cusp of capturing World Games bronze. moments. Megan Grittani-Livingston SOBC Manager, Communications Head Coach Lorena Mead and athletes Carrie Dignan Coquitlam Aquatics Communications Liaison James Blacke, David Scott, and Ryan • Silver - 25m Freestyle Courtemanche have been with the team for • 6th - 25m Backstroke more than 25 years and won gold at the World Games in North Carolina as well as silver in Joshua Low Langley Aquatics World Games Delegation Liaision Athens 2011. Coaches Ian Olive and Dennis • Gold - 25m Backstroke SOBC Region 6 Coordinator Jean Tetarenko Richardson and several other players have • 4th - 4x25m Freestyle Relay took the time to apply to become a World been with the team for many years too, and • 5th - 25m Freestyle Games volunteer, and happily she was assigned were part of the silver-medal-winning squad to be one of the Delegation Liaisons for in 2011. Avery Newton Penticton Aquatics “I’m so proud of you guys right now,” Jake • Gold - 100m Freestyle Team Canada. With her inspiring dedication, Macfarlane, one of the team’s youngest • Gold - 200m Freestyle intelligence, positive attitude, and calm under players, shouted to his teammates while • Silver - 100m Butterfly pressure, Tetarenko was a huge asset to Team leaving the field after winning their bronze- • Silver - 4x50 Freestyle Relay (with Schleppe) Canada and a valued part of the team. medal game. “We started out down and we came back and won!” Amanda Schleppe Penticton Aquatics • Gold - 50m Backstroke More Team Canada coverage Swimming • Silver - 4x50 Freestyle Relay (with Newton) teamcanada.specialolympics.ca • Bronze - 50m Breaststroke Athletes www.specialolympics.bc.ca/news/Team%20 Magnus Batara Richmond Aquatics Kelsey Wyse Kelowna Aquatics Canada%202015 • Gold - 200m Breaststroke • Gold - 4x50m Medley Relay • Gold - 100m Butterfly • Silver - 800m Freestyle • Gold - 100m Breaststroke • Silver - 400m Freestyle • Gold - 4x100m Medley Relay • 4th - 200m Individual Medley

Team Canada track and field athlete Robert Burns of SOBC – Comox Valley and SOBC Swimmers Avery Newton (left) and Amanda Schleppe (centre) of SOBC – Penticton Region 6 Coordinator Jean Tetarenko enjoy the celebrate at the close of their relay team’s medal-winning swim. World Games Closing Ceremony.

8 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Champions spreading the word to end the word

The Spread the Word to End the Word the derogatory campaign is an inspiring movement for use of the respect and dignity, calling on everyone to R-word at end derogatory use of the R-word, “retard” or the sold-out “retard(ed).” Language affects attitudes and Vancouver attitudes affect actions, so this is a starting Whitecaps FC point toward more accepting attitudes and season opener communities for all people. at BC Place on March 4, 2015, was the seventh annual March 7. Spread the Word to End the Word® Day, SOBC was with an outpouring of calls to end the hurtful fortunate use of the R-word. While people all over the to be the ‘Caps community match partner world shared their pledges and messages of for that exciting game. In the ‘Caps Kickoff, support, many SOBC members and supporters SOBC athletes and coaches connected championed the cause in their own social with fans and encouraged them to pledge media channels and communities. to end the R-word. Vancouver Whitecaps “For many years, people with intellectual FC also provided the opportunity for the disabilities have been verbally attacked with Special Olympics Team Canada and SOBC – various medical terms turned euphemisms. Abbotsford soccer teams to show their skills … To me, the Spread the Word To End the in a halftime game in front of the sold-out Word campaign shows everyone that this crowd of thousands. behavior needs to stop, and that people with On March 26, University of intellectual disabilities should be given the students advocated respect and inclusion at Youth Activation Council members who led respect they deserve as any other human their popular Storm the Wall intramural race, campaigns in their communities to stop use of being,” SOBC – Coquitlam athlete Adam hosting a Spread the Word to End the Word the R-word. Advocaat wrote in a letter. booth in the event’s festival area while SOBC Read about motionball’s YELLOWCARD In addition to the support circulated athletes teamed up with UBC Thunderbirds campaign to end the R-word on page 36. in social media, SOBC had the amazing varsity athletes to take part in the race. Check out r-word.org and pledge today to opportunity to advocate respect and an end to Turn to page 14 to read about the SOBC use respectful, people-first language.

Caps fans taking the R-word pledge at a Whitecaps FC game.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 9 Goldcorp Invitational helps change lives with Special Olympics

The 2015 Goldcorp Invitational Golf Right: The Dueck Auto Group team Tournament was a great success displays their trophy with athlete again this year, attracting 250 of Michaela Robinson. Vancouver’s corporate and business Below: SOBC – Abbotsford athlete Scott elite to hit the links on June 16, 2015, Gaudet manned the 2015 Goldcorp in support of Special Olympics BC. Invitational Special Putt hole. Held at Northview Golf & Country Club, this fully stocked golf experience includes two simultaneous tournaments followed by an evening of inspiration where participants enjoy a full dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and powerful messages from SOBC athletes and supporters. Ian Telfer, Chairman of the Board and Director of Goldcorp, said the value of supporting Special Olympics is clear. “It’s a great cause. You all know the stories; you all have friends or relatives in some of these programs. Goldcorp is so thrilled to be associated with Special Olympics. It’s the main charity we support through the year, and we hope to do it for many, many years to come,” Telfer told the tournament attendees. Nat Mountain, accompanied by her son Ethan, spoke at the 2015 Goldcorp Invitational about their family’s experience with Special Olympics. “Every second since joining Special Olympics is a time where our son has made a connection, has experienced success wholeheartedly, has been justified in his determination, and cheered on by people like yourselves,” Nat Mountain said. Goldcorp has been the tournament’s title sponsor for the past nine years in order to support Special Olympics BC, and is a significant ongoing partner of SOBC dedicated to bringing opportunities into the lives of children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities. Goldcorp has changed lives through two gifts of $1 million to SOBC, the first in 2010-2014 and the second for 2014-2018. Sincere thanks to Goldcorp and the SOBC Past Chair Pam Keith, SOBC athlete SOBC athlete Ethan Mountain’s inspiring generous tournament sponsors for Michaela Robinson, and Goldcorp President story was shared during the evening’s their continued support of SOBC. & CEO Chuck Jeannes at the Goldcorp presentations. Invitational.

10 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Thank you to the supporters of the 2015 Goldcorp Invitational

Presenting Sponsor

Greens Sponsor Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Event Sponsors

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP

Tournament Committee Cassels Brock Marsh Canada On-Course Sponsors & Cathy Campbell Maxam Capital Management Michael Campbell, Chair CIBC World Markets Inc Merrill Lynch Canada Inc Event Partners Michael Coyle, Replay Resorts Inc. Deloitte Michael Campbell Greg Keith, Dueck Auto Group DLA Piper (Canada) LLP Anderson Air New Gold Colin MacKinnon Dueck Auto Group B2Gold Christine Marks, Goldcorp Ernst & Young Pacific Newspaper Group Border Gold Greg Noble Fluor Premium Brands Canuel Caterers Dan Howe, Special Olympics BC GMP Securities RBC Capital Markets Dueck Auto Group Christina Hadley, Special Olympics BC Goldcorp Renaissance Oil Corp Harbourview Volkswagen Great Panther Silver Limited Replay Resorts London Drugs Insurance Hatch Scotiabank Queen Charlotte Lodge Participating Teams Shaw Sabey Home Hardware Silver Standard Resources HSBC Silver Standard Resources Allwest Insurance Silver Wheaton Anderson Air Hyphen Communications Sugar B2Gold Korn Ferry TD Securities Sugar Mountain Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP KPMG Telford Financial TD Securities BMO Capital Markets London Drugs White Bear Capital Corp. Travel Masters Canaccord Genuity Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd White Paper Company Whistler Water

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 11 SOBC inducts six new members into Hall of Fame

The Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Local; Osborne held the position of Regional recognizes significant, long-lasting Angeles, capturing the bronze medal in the Coordinator for Region 6 for 15 years, served contributions that individuals and groups have process. as the Chair of the SOBC Leadership Council, made to our movement. Induction into the and was a member of the SOBC Board of Hall of Fame celebrates the most outstanding Local Builder Inductee: Directors. achievements and contributions, and is one Osborne also acted as Chef de Mission for of the highest honours bestowed within the Jo Osborne Region 6 to at least six Provincial Games and Special Olympics BC organization. Since 1986, Jo Osborne has made significant was mission staff on two provincial teams This year, Special Olympics BC is celebrating contributions to Special Olympics BC. She to National Games. Osborne has been a six new members of the Hall of Fame. These started volunteering with SOBC – Victoria friend to all, knew every athlete’s name, and deserving individuals and organizations and over the years has held many positions, attended as many events, training sessions, were inducted in a ceremony at the SOBC including Local Coordinator. But her efforts and meetings as she could in order to bring the Leadership Summit on October 3. and influence did not stop with the Victoria Region, and later the province, together. When the volunteers in her Region were Athlete Inductee: asked why she would be a good candidate for the SOBC Hall of Fame, they said that Kelowna Grizzlies softball team Osborne’s communication skills helped them The Kelowna Grizzlies are the only B.C. team build the Region. They felt she worked as to ever compete and win medals in three diligently at the provincial level as she did at Special Olympics World Games. They have been the regional level to represent the views of playing together for nearly 25 years, and while volunteers. some members have stepped away, the core “It has been a great pleasure to see all the group has remained the same. In 1999, they improvement and all the work everyone does,” became the first Special Olympics BC softball Osborne said at the induction ceremony. team to make it to World Games. They went on to win a gold medal! This team continued to Provincial Builder Inductees: work hard, and in 2010, they won the right to represent Canada at the 2011 Special Olympics Doug Holtby and Blair Shier World Summer Games in Greece. They tied for Doug Holtby volunteered for 15 years as a gold, but were awarded silver based on runs member of the Special Olympics BC Board of for and against. Directors, serving from 1996 to 2011. During The Kelowna Grizzlies set a B.C. record by Jo Osborne receiving her Hall of Fame his time on the Board, Special Olympics BC representing Canada for the third time at a induction plaque from Ted Hirst, Chair of the refocused its efforts on growth, quality and World Games when they competed in the 2015 SOBC Board of Directors sustainability, and Holtby’s guidance during this entire process was invaluable. Holtby introduced Special Olympics BC to many of our major sponsors and helped build those relationships.

Doug Holtby receiving his Hall of Fame The Kelowna Grizzlies receiving their Hall of Fame induction plaque. induction plaque from Ted Hirst

12 Special Olympics BC Bulletin SOBC inducts six new members into Hall of Fame Thank you

Blair Shier served on the Special Olympics learning vital social and motor skills and Special Olympics BC thanks the following BC Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000. becoming active in sport. individuals, foundations, and corporations During his time on the Board, the Special In 2015, Goldcorp renewed their support, for their generous donations throughout Olympics organization underwent a very and pledged an additional $1 million over the year to assist us in supporting SOBC involved rebranding and Shier’s guidance four years to continue their support of Special athletes. during this entire process was invaluable. He Olympics BC, enable further growth of youth also provided critical assistance in building our programs, and help with the establishment Individual donors base of contacts and helped Special Olympics of new program offerings that will increase Grace Battiston BC develop new sources of revenue. opportunities for SOBC athletes to train, Michael Campbell Since 1998, both Holtby and Shier have compete, and improve their health. Goldcorp Milton Carrasco provided leadership and direction for the is passionate about making a difference for Marnie Carter Sports Celebrities Festival, which has become a Special Olympics athletes. Wulf Gerhardt cornerstone for providing funds and exposure “We’re very proud of this relationship, Ted Hirst for Special Olympics while fostering awareness and we hope it will be a very long-lasting and inclusion for SOBC athletes. The SCF has relationship,” said Goldcorp President and CEO Foundations now raised $4 million for its charities, including Chuck Jeannes, the Vice Chair of the SOBC Andrew Mahon Foundation $2 million for Special Olympics BC alone. Board of Directors. CKNW Orphans’ Fund Shier and Holtby have both made a F.K. Morrow Foundation significant impact on Special Olympics BC, Hamber Foundation benefitting the organization not only over the Lewis Family Foundation past 20 years, but long into the future. Prairie Lily Fund “It’s the Special Olympics athletes and Staples became a national sponsor in 2000 and RBC Foundation volunteers who are the heroes, so Blair and has raised over $766,000 for Special Olympics Variety – The Children’s Charity I thank you,” Holtby said at the induction BC in this 15-year partnership. Additionally, ceremony. their efforts have built considerable awareness Companies for Special Olympics. Great Canadian Casinos Inc. Over and above the annual Give a Toonie Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Share a Dream campaign, Staples has Stockscores Analytics Corp. supported the Sports Celebrities Festival as Transoft Solutions Inc. a national partner and provided gift cards for office purchases to help offset the budget. They also host an annual staff softball tournament where Special Olympics BC Home Hardware helps athletes are invited to participate on every team. enrich lives of Special Staples has made a significant impact Blair Shier receiving the Queen Elizabeth II on Special Olympics BC over their 15-year Olympics athletes Diamond Jubilee Medal from SOBC President involvement. Special Olympics BC is & CEO Dan Howe and Vice President, Fund “We’d like to thank you very much for grateful for the generous Development & Communications, Christina the opportunity to work with you,” Richard support of Home Hardware, Hadley Foster, Staples Regional Vice President Sales whose dedication to and Operations Western Canada, said at the Special Olympics helps Sponsor Inductees: induction ceremony. Staples has 98 stores in enrich the lives of more Goldcorp and Staples western Canada, and there’s nothing they get than 4,400 athletes across the province and Goldcorp began their support as a major more excited about than raising funds and thousands more across the country. In 2015, sponsor of the Final Fore Golf Tournament awareness for Special Olympics athletes, he Home Hardware celebrated 15 years as a in 2005. To acknowledge their significant added. National Partner of Special Olympics Canada. support, in 2010 the tournament was renamed “Special Olympics BC is a remarkable Their generous funding is supplemented by the Goldcorp Invitational Golf Tournament. organization because of the truly remarkable marketing support such as mentions in TV Close to $1.8 million has been raised through people involved. We have long been inspired commercials. these events for Special Olympics BC. by and grateful to this year’s Hall of Fame Home Hardware is the National Sponsor In 2010, Goldcorp made a $1 million inductees, and we are so glad to celebrate of both the Goldcorp Invitational Golf commitment to Special Olympics BC over four these deserving individuals and organizations,” Tournament supporting SOBC, and the years to assist with the development of youth SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe said. Sports Celebrities Festival presented by Silver programing. This gift from Goldcorp allowed Wheaton benefitting SOBC and the Canucks SOBC to more than double the number of for Kids Fund, two of SOBC’s most successful youth programs offered around the province. and prestigious annual fundraising events. Now many more children with intellectual SOBC is extremely grateful for the year- disabilities as young as two years old are round support of Home Hardware.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 13 Youth leaders strengthen support for Special Olympics

In 2015, youth leaders from B.C. sought to raise awareness about Special Olympics in their home communities and helped build the national and global movement of youth support for Special Olympics. Youth Activation Council members are young people without intellectual disabilities who engage with their schools and communities to raise awareness about Special Olympics and advocate for and with people with intellectual disabilities. Above: SOBC Youth Labour Day weekend saw five youth leaders Activation Council member from B.C. join 25 colleagues from across the Sonja Kreuzkamp and Mark Tewksbury at the Youth country in for the first-ever national Activation Conference. Youth Activation Conference, hosted by Special Olympics Canada. Left: Volunteers and athletes The national conference was organized by spreading the word to end the R-word in Abbotsford. SOC’s new Youth Activation Council, with six young volunteers from across the country Campaign booths were staffed by local SOBC Activation Council and SOBC – Fort St. including Danielle Kiselbach from Coquitlam. athletes and volunteers who inspired everyone John volunteer, was selected to participate SOBC YAC members Kiselbach, Roshan with their passion and stories. after submitting a proposal to the global Gosal from Abbotsford, Sonja Kreuzkamp In January, SOBC – Prince George and YAC conference held in July. from Surrey, Sarah MacDonald from Victoria, member Joel Seifert helped run a Spread the The summit brought together youth and Ava Ready from Vernon participated Word booth at a University of Northern British leaders who are ready to activate, to help in sessions about intellectual disabilities, Columbia Timberwolves basketball game, equip them to generate change around the leveraging social media, and the structure of raising awareness about ending the R-word pressing issues facing people with intellectual Special Olympics. while SOBC – Prince George basketball players disabilities. “Meeting individuals from all over Canada showed their great abilities and sportsmanship “It was amazing, I learned so much,” Roblin with the same goals and appreciation for in hitting the court for a halftime game. This said after returning home from the whirlwind Special Olympics made me feel part of a year also saw Vernon’s Ready teaming up with experience. “You feel so inspired because strong and significant movement, one in which SOBC – Vernon athletes and volunteers to host everyone has these great ideas, and a little everyone’s participation is valued and ideas are Special Olympics awareness booths in local overwhelmed because it’s a lot of great supported.,” said Gosal, a Grade 12 student at schools. information and you really want to make a Yale Secondary School in Abbotsford and an When 120 youth leaders from 30 countries difference with that information. … It was an SOBC – Abbotsford coach. came together in Los Angeles for the Special amazing experience.” Gosal organized a highly successful Spread Olympics GenUin Social Impact Summit at We are grateful to the inspiring YAC the Word to End the Word campaign in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer members who give their time and energy Abbotsford high schools in April 2015. Nearly Games, one of the inspiring young participants to create change and make a difference for 2,000 people took the pledge to end use of was Fort St. John’s Ashley Roblin. people with intellectual disabilities. the R-word, joining the global movement. Roblin, a member of the SOBC Youth Great experiences for SOBC groups with Jim Pattison Hyundai, Lulay and BC Lions

Big thanks to Jeff Rae and Jim Pattison Hyundai as well as Travis Lulay and the BC Lions for providing amazing Lions game experiences again for our athletes and coaches this season! Rae and Jim Pattison Hyundai generously donated six tickets to every Lions home game for SOBC athletes and volunteers, and the groups have had a terrific time cheering Travis Lulay greeting a QB Crew group of SOBC – Vancouver athletes and on Lulay and the Lions in person. volunteers pregame.

14 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Young athletes get in the game with growing SOBC youth programs

Special Olympics is a leader in helping kids Youth programs supported by with intellectual disabilities learn vital motor and sport skills. Since 2011, the number of Special Olympics BC youth programs around the province has more than doubled, growing from 30 to 79. In 2015, almost 900 children with intellectual disabilities participated in the 23 Active Start, 30 FUNdamentals, and 25 Sport Start programs offered by SOBC Locals. Program participants ages two to 18 have the opportunity to learn vital motor, sport, and social skills and get active in a fun, friendly environment. Many of these children come to feel left behind and isolated in traditional sport and activity programs. Special Olympics is the place where they belong and thrive—and have so much fun. The power of Special Olympics youth programs was on display in abundance at SOBC’s 2015 Youth Sports Day, hosted at the amazing EA Sports complex in Burnaby with great support from EA staff volunteers and SOBC volunteers. Participants having fun and developing skills at the 2015 Youth Sports Day. With 68 awesome young athletes taking part with their families, the 2015 Youth Sports her potential,” wrote family members Katie, meet some other parents of kids with special Day was SOBC’s biggest yet. The fun day gave Kieran, Lisa, and Sean Oliver. needs. We’re looking forward to the fall children with intellectual disabilities who FUNdamentals helps youth ages seven to session,” Gray wrote in an email. “I just need are new to Special Olympics the chance to 11 transition to basic sport skills in a fun and to show Nick his yellow [Active Start athlete] experience the engaging activities that are supportive environment. T-shirt and he gets excited for ‘ball.’ He even part of SOBC’s year-round youth programming. “It is so valuable to us, as her parents, to took his shirt for show-and-tell to preschool, The event also welcomed current youth have the opportunity to meet other parents, and apparently, pulled the shirt right on and program participants to join the fun and and to see the breadth of activities available to tossed a balloon around.” celebrate the end of another season. our daughter. … We can’t underestimate the SOBC and Locals are pursuing growth Katie Oliver, a young FUNdamentals athlete value of Youth Sports Day, too, for the siblings opportunities to help more children with with Down syndrome, spent the day “meeting of the Special Olympics athletes. Each of them intellectual disabilities get involved in these new friends, trying new activities, and realizing had the opportunity to see other youth with fun and valuable programs. SOBC – Surrey disabilities participating at offers Sport Start, and in January 2015 the their own levels, and had the Surrey FC All-Stars launched a Surrey FC chance to interact with each Adapted Soccer program supported by Special other, sharing experiences Olympics BC to offer new opportunities to and making connections,” the help youth with intellectual disabilities learn Oliver family wrote. sport and life skills. For SOBC – Delta parent In January, SOBC teamed up with School Sheryl Gray and her son District #68 in Nanaimo to host try-it days for Nick, Youth Sports Day was a their students with intellectual disabilities. followup to a fun first Active Young athletes had the opportunity to Start season. Active Start test the waters in fun, friendly sessions of teaches kids ages two to six basketball, bocce, Club Fit, floor hockey, golf, vital motor and social skills. rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, and “The Active Start program track and field. provided both of us with a Our thanks to Goldcorp, the Government comfortable environment: of British Columbia, and the Government no big deal if Nick wanted to of Canada for their significant support of sit out part of an activity or youth programs and athlete development Young athletes enjoy Active Start and FUNdamentals in Richmond. do his own thing, and I got to throughout B.C.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 15 Canuck Bo Horvat Canuck Ryan Miller and SOBC – North and SOBC – Vancouver Shore athlete Canuck Brandon Sutter and SOBC – Richmond athlete Shane Carr Tamika Shaw are athete Nicky Chow flex for the crowd. shoot for the stars. quick on the draw. Sports Celebrities Festival supports ‘ceiling-breaking’ power of Special Olympics The “ceiling-breaking” power of sport and top B.C. sports celebrities for an inspiring Special Olympics was on full display at the evening that raised more than $350,000. 2015 Sports Celebrities Festival presented forward Chris Higgins, by Silver Wheaton. whose sister Jeanne is a longtime Special Held on October 20 at the Vancouver Olympics athlete in New York, made the Convention Centre, the 17th annual gala audience laugh with his gentle teasing of his benefitting the Canucks for Kids Fund and teammates and tugged heartstrings with Special Olympics BC brought together more his vivid description of the power of Special than 650 supporters along with SOBC athletes, Olympics. the entire Vancouver Canucks roster, and other “Special Olympics is a ceiling-breaking

Hosts James Cybulski and Caroline Cameron of Rogers get their game faces on. Jeff Vinnick-Vancouver Canucks Jeff Vinnick-Vancouver

SOBC – Chilliwack athlete Joanne Bunnin, Vancouver Canucks alternate Daniel Sedin, and guests enjoying the evening entertainment. Canuck Chris Higgins and SOBC – Kamloops athlete Dallas Gilchrist ready to star as the event speakers.

16 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Canuck Jake Virtanen and SOBC – Abbotsford Canuck Adam Cracknell marvels at the muscles of athlete Chris Hamilton give the SCF two thumbs up. SOBC – Abbotsford athlete Paige Norton.

organization, and I’ve seen it firsthand. To see Over the last 17 years, the Sports In addition, the roster of SOBC athletes who the impossible made possible makes you look Celebrities Festival presented by Silver took part in the SCF included several members at challenges in a whole different way,” he Wheaton has had a significant impact for its of Team Canada who competed with pride said. charitable causes. The event has raised $4 in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Higgins introduced sharp-dressed Special million to support the life-changing work Games in Los Angeles, as well as members Olympics athlete speaker Dallas Gilchrist of the Canucks for Kids Fund and Special of Team BC gearing up for the 2016 Special of SOBC – Kamloops, a dedicated swimmer Olympics BC. The funds help empower Olympics Canada Winter Games in Corner who was a highlight of the evening for many athletes with intellectual disabilities to gain Brook, Newfoundland. attendees. confidence, acceptance, and pride through The event also featured Sportsnet Central “When I’m racing, I feel strong and powerful. sport, and also provide vital opportunities, hosts Caroline Cameron and James Cybulski I want to make people proud and not give up,” resources and much-needed care to children as the engaging MCs, Brent Butt bringing Gilchrist said. and families throughout B.C. the laughs with his standup set, and up-and- Watch Gilchrist and Higgins speak at the This year’s inspiring and interactive gala saw coming new group V who delivered a beautiful 2015 SCF: https://vimeo.com/143198065 the entire Vancouver Canucks roster come vocal and piano performance. Throughout the Gilchrist closed with his own great advice out in style along with alumni, coaches, and night, guests also bid on auctions and enjoyed from the heart. management. They were joined by members games and activities while mingling with the “I have learned lots from Special Olympics. of the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps celebrities, and TSN Radio conducted live But most of all, I have learned you need to FC icons and Carl Valentine broadcasting from the event. have heart in everything you try. Don’t give generously giving their time to the event, and We thank all of the Sports Celebrities up! Be yourself—be who you are. But most of BC Lions alumni Tommy Europe and Angus Festival sponsors, attendees, and supporters all—have fun!” Reid brought added star power. who give so generously each year.

Palladio Jewellers President Jason Bosa (right) and Burnaby RCMP Auxiliary Constable Erin McElroy (left) present the Rolex to the lucky

winner of the raffle sponsored by Palladio. Eliot James Eliot

BC Lions Travis Lulay and Emmanuel Arceneaux ready to roar.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 17 Thank you to the supporters of the 2015 Sports Celebrities Festival

Presenting Sponsor Auction Donors La Bicicletta Pro Shop Trail Appliances Ltd. Teck Resources Limited 102.7 The PEAK Landmark Selections Trevlin Advisory Services TD Able Auctions Laura Ballance Media Group TSN 1040 The 2Story Group Absolute Spa Long Beach Lodge Resort Vancouver Aquarium Marine The Fan Zoo Alden Rae Lucky This Fishing Adventures Science Centre Arc’teryx Equipment Inc. Majormaki Real Estate Vancouver Giants Organizing and AspenClean Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Vancouver Whitecaps FC Advisory Committee Bank of Montreal Club Vega Co-Chairs MBNA West Coast Fishing Club Doug Holtby Major Sponsors Bell Media Big White Ski Resort Ltd. Metropolis at Metrotown WestJet Blair Shier Black Hills Estate Winery Mercedes-Benz North Shore Whistler Brewing Company Blair Shier Photography Meridian Meats & Seafood Ltd. White Spot Ltd. Teya Aasen Boston Pizza Mills Office Productivity Wolf in the Fog Leslie Canavan Burberry Mink Chocolates Julie Catling Karlene Collier Cactus Club Cafe Misch Boutique Table Sponsors Gunnar Eggertson Canaccord Genuity Mission Hill ABC Customs Brokers Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Scott Ellis Canadian Broadcast Sales Mission Kitsilano Blue Sky Properties Christina Hadley Event Sponsors Canadian Poultry Consultants Moja Coffee Ltd. Napa Vineyard House BMO Capital Markets Ted Hirst Canucks Sports & Entertainment Natural Factors Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP Jessica Hoffman Capilano Suspension Bridge Newcap Radio Michael Campbell Leah Iverson Park Nick Skotidas Canada Life Glen Jessup Castanet Media Norscot Holdings Ltd. Canadian Poultry Consultants Stephanie Kaye League Northview Golf & Country Club Canucks Sports & Entertainment Fiona Keller Club Intrawest Okanagan Spring Brewery Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Randy Smallwood Curtis Besse Pacific Coastal Airlines Catling Group Jennifer Traub David Yan - Envision Financial Pacific National Exhibition CIBC Mike Watson De Dutch PARK’N FLY Deloitte Bob Wilson David Yan Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Pharmasave Drugs (Pacific) Ltd. Dueck Auto Group Resort and Spa Jim Yee Pizza Hut Envision Financial Donnelly Group Poplar Grove Winery Ernst & Young LLP Doug Holtby First West Leasing Special Thanks Proper Hair Lounge & Davines DQ Canada Inc. Gateway Casinos & Aerostream Logistics Purdy’s Electronic Arts (Canada) Inc. Entertainment Limited BC Lions Football Club Rampion Enterprises Enterprise Holdings Goldcorp Brent Butt Redstone Resort Ethical Bean Grant Thornton LLP Caroline Cameron River Rock Casino Resort Everything Wine Hodge Family Dallas Gilchrist Inc. Expedia CruiseShipCenters Doug Holtby Go Wireless Fable HUB Financial Inc. Greg Forrester and Echo Safeway Fairmont Pacific Rim JD Sweid Foods Brand Management Ltd. Scandinave Spa Whistler Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon KPMG Hemlock Printers Sea to Sky Gondola Freedom 55 Financial Lawson Lundell LLP Howard Blank Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver Friends of the SCF Majormaki Real Estate In Any Event Design SierraSil Health Inc. Ganton & Larsen Prospect Manulife Financial Jeff Vinnick Winery Silver Wheaton Mirage Hardwood Floors James Cybulski Global BC / Shaw Media Sport Chek National Bank Financial John Shorthouse Goldcorp Squamish Valley Golf Club NBM Group V Golden Eagle Golf Club & The Staples Canada Neptune Bulk Terminals Vancouver Canucks Falls Golf Club Steve Menzies – OK Tire (Canada) Ltd. Vancouver Canucks Alumni GolfTEC Sun Peaks Lodge Odlum Brown Limited Vancouver Convention Centre Grant Thornton LLP Temper Chocolate & Pastry Postmedia Vancouver Sun and West Greenheart Canopy Walkway The Brick Province Vancouver Whitecaps FC and UBC Botanical Garden The Butchart Gardens PwC LLP WIAN Branding Grouse Mountain Resorts The Fan Zoo RBC Capital Markets Gunnar Eggertson The Keg Steakhouse + Bar RCG Group And all of the celebrities Harbour Air Shato Holdings Ltd. who generously took time to Media Sponsors The Movement Studio attend the event Holland America The Pint Shier Family Hotel BLU Vancouver Thomas Haas Chocolates & Silver Wheaton Island Farms Patisserie Smythe Radcliffe JD Sweid Foods Tina Mobius Expedia Stikeman Elliott LLP Jo Malone London CruiseShipCenters Stor-More Closet & Blinds Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop Tommy Europe Fitness Sungrown Foods House Toptable Group Target Homes

18 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Government of Canada funds 2015 anniversary vital training and competition celebrations for for SOBC athletes SOBC Locals The Government of athletes’ abundant abilities Special Olympics BC is so fortunate to have Canada has been a on display. incredible athletes and volunteers in 57 crucial supporter of The Government of Canada communities around the province. While Special Olympics Canada also funded all training and we continue to grow, and have some very and Special Olympics travel expenses for the 115 exciting new developments coming up on the BC, providing funds to develop new and athletes, 32 coaches, and 11 mission staff horizon, we are continually grateful for the existing sport programs and competitive on Special Olympics Team Canada 2015 that long-standing volunteer dedication that makes opportunities. Without this significant included 57 athletes, and 18 coaches and programs possible all over B.C. support, we could not offer the full range of mission staff from B.C. This support helped As SOBC celebrated its 35th anniversary opportunities that make such a difference in give athletes the life-changing experience in 2015, we recognized the Locals who also the lives of Special Olympics athletes and their of representing Canada at the 2015 Special marked anniversary seasons as a testament to families. Olympics World Summer Games in Los their dedication to helping athletes and being With the support of the Government of Angeles. part of this incredible movement. We would Canada, SOBC’s Performance Program is The federal government’s support of like to share these anniversary celebrations helping elevate performance by enhancing the 2015 SOBC Leadership Summit allowed so everyone can join in recognizing the the skills of coaches and through them, all 100 SOBC volunteers, athlete and youth achievements of these Locals! athletes of SOBC. leaders, and staff from across the province In 2015, the following Locals marked “I learned many useful strategies, how other to come together in October for a weekend anniversary years: coaches can engage just a couple of athletes of inspiring expert speakers and networking Happy 30th anniversary – established in 1985 when there is not enough for a game, and I opportunities. Participants were able to take SOBC – Burnaby learned a few new warm-up exercises that I new tools and ideas back to their communities. SOBC – Creston was very impressed with and could see the Through federal government funding, SOBC – Kelowna benefit of with our athletes in many different SOBC has also been able to hire new program sports,” said Special Olympics bocce coach staff to support the great work being done Happy 25th anniversary – established in 1990 Debbie Roblin after a 2015 Performance camp. by volunteers throughout the province. We SOBC – Squamish “I left there feeling like I know I can coach this have also been able to fund new training Happy 5th anniversary – established in 2010 sport with no second thoughts. I am ready.” opportunities for coaches and develop new SOBC – Invermere The federal government supported the guides and resources. Thank you to all the athletes and volunteers 2015 SOBC Winter Games in Kamloops, SOBC is extremely grateful for the support who make their Locals so remarkable, and Canada’s Tournament Capital. More than 700 of the Government of Canada. If you have who make Special Olympics BC such an athletes, volunteer coaches, and mission staff a moment, thank your local Member of inspiring, welcoming, empowering, and fun came together from across the province and Parliament for this support as it truly makes a place to be! the to compete with pride and put the difference. Progress Club’s fun summer fundraisers support SOBC

The Canadian Progress to the teams who took part. Club of Greater Player Glen Hadley received an P Vancouver is a long- AN RO award for his longtime support, D G R

standing supporter of A as he has participated in the E

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S

A

S Special Olympics BC, C tournament every year since it and we’re so grateful C U B began. for their annual summer Our thanks to the Progress fundraisers. The Plywood Cup set Club and all the generous Plywood Cup sail on the waters of Vancouver’s and softball teams and donors! Thanks False Creek on June 6, with teams again to the Progress Club for providing raising funds and competing to build additional financial and volunteer and race ships with little more than support throughout the year. plywood and nails. The 20th Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament held in in July was a big hit that once again emphasized participation, SOBC – Vancouver athletes Allan sportsmanship, and fun. The Hunter and Annabelle Davis tournament raised $10,000 thanks volunteering at the Plywood Cup.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 19 SOBC skaters shine at 2015 Canada Winter Games Kevin Bogetti-Smith. At the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince Walzak said. “The whole atmosphere was George, Special Olympics BC figure skaters incredible. Everyone was in their team gear turned heads with both their on-ice abilities and you really saw the relationships between and off-ice sportsmanship. the athletes. It was really nice to see everyone Stephanie Divin of SOBC – Surrey, Matthew come together and cheer for each other. It was Lai of SOBC – Richmond, Eric Pahima of SOBC something I’ll never forget.” – Vancouver, and Emily Walzak of SOBC – In addition to their grace and generosity Victoria were outstanding representatives of spirit off ice, the SOBC athletes had great of Special Olympics at the success in their performances on ice, where February 22 to March 1, along with their they matched up well competing against dedicated coaches Jessica Chapelski of SOBC talented Special Olympics skaters from across – Vancouver and Martin Newham of SOBC – the country. Victoria. In the Special Olympics Men’s Level 2 “It was amazing. I felt like a real athlete,” division, Lai captured gold and Pahima skated

Eric Pahima in action at the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

to a silver medal, finishing 1-2 next to skillful Yukon skater Michael Sumner. In the packed Special Olympics Ladies Level 2 category, Divin won bronze and Walzak earned a fifth-place finish, with nine strong skaters in the division. Participating in BC and Canada Games gives Special Olympics athletes the chance to show their abundant abilities alongside generic- sport athletes and be part of regional and provincial teams with them. Walzak said she feels energized by the 2015 Canada Games experience. The athletes benefitted from the incredible support and dedication of SOBC coaches Chapelski and Newham, who also gave time

Jessica Chapelski to their Regional teams at the 2015 Provincial The SOBC Canada Games athletes and coaches at the Closing Ceremony. Games.

Park’N Fly Vancouver helps Special Olympics athletes soar

Park’N Fly Vancouver has a long history of providing cost-effective and well-supported parking for Vancouver International Airport passengers; for many years they have also Sixteen Special Olympics BC track given generously to help Special Olympics Park’N Fly Vancouver offers a range athletes were thrilled to race at the athletes thrive. of parking and transportation services internationally recognized Vancouver Park’N Fly Vancouver has supported and solutions at Vancouver International Sun Harry Jerome International Special Olympics BC by donating auction Airport, including wheelchair-accessible Track Classic on June 8, 2015, items for fundraising events and providing transportation between their lots and the at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium. parking for staff and key volunteers when airport. This year marked the first time the famous meet included Special travelling for SOBC. Park’N Fly Vancouver is now extending Olympics events alongside the races The company also stepped up to help a special discount offer to members of the involving 400 generic athletes from with transportation for VIPs at the Special SOBC community, giving lower-than-web 16 countries, including 32 Olympians Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games in rates for business and leisure travel. Quote and elite athletes seeking to finalize Vancouver, and they make a point of hiring the number 787911 when you contact qualification to race in the 2015 Pan SO athletes and people with disabilities. Park’N Fly to receive the SOBC discount. Am Games in Toronto.

20 Special Olympics BC Bulletin SOBC flies high with John M. Sims Fund Pacific Coastal Airlines John Sims was a longtime member of the Marathon, raising more than $6,000 in the Special Olympics BC Board of Directors and Charity Challenge, and held a fundraising For staff, volunteers, and athletes of Special a tremendous supporter who passed away drive with staff at his company Transoft Olympics BC, the cost of flying to an event or in 2014 after a long and courageous battle Solutions Inc. His company matched function could be prohibitive. Fortunately for with cancer. Sims was a true champion of donations for both events. us, we have the generous support of Pacific Special Olympics, believing wholeheartedly Coastal Airlines. in the goals and ideals of this organization. To make a donation to the John M. Sims Throughout the year, Pacific Coastal Airlines In 2013, to honour Sims’ dedication to Fund: provides air travel for our athletes, coaches, SOBC, his commitment to the community, Online: Donation form at specialolympics. and volunteers to attend events all over the and to recognize his recent retirement, bc.ca (Please check the Tribute option, province, including Team BC 2016 training his friends initiated the John M. Sims select the “In Tribute Of” button, and enter and Performance Program camps, Athlete Fund in support of Special Olympics. “John M. Sims Fund”) Leadership conferences, and the 2015 SOBC This endowment fund will continue Sims’ Leadership Summit. association and support of Special Olympics By phone: 604-737-3180/1-888-854-2276 Quentin Smith, President and CEO of Pacific BC in perpetuity. toll-free Coastal Airlines, has supported SOBC for many Big thanks to Milton Carrasco for his years. He has attended our fundraising events two very successful fundraisers in 2015 By mail: The John M. Sims Fund in person and provided significant support benefiting the John M. Sims Fund. Carrasco c/o Special Olympics BC, #210 – 3701 by donating highly valued travel packages as ran in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 2H6 auction items. SOBC is honoured, proud, and grateful to be supported by Quentin and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Pacific Coastal Airlines was founded nearly 40 years ago and provides regular schedule, charter, and cargo services to 65-plus destinations in B.C. Make sure to check out their schedule if you’re flying to a community they service. Darren Inouye

Thanks to Manning Elliott LLP for raising funds to support Special Olympics BC through the John M. Sims Fund! They raised $1,000 through an office contest for an autographed Pacific Coastal helped Team BC 2016 floor Vancouver Canucks hockey stick, won by Manning Elliott Partner Navroz Janmohamed. hockey players from Burnaby get to their training camp in Grand Forks in July 2015. Raising awareness at World Outlook Financial Conference For 25 years, the World Outlook Financial a presence at the conference, accepting Conference has been bringing together donations from attendees and sharing top-quality financial analysts together with stories of our athletes and programs. Canadian investors to share world-class Our thanks to Stockscores Analytics 29 and 30 in Vancouver. Sincere thanks to information and analysis. Financial Services Inc. for their generous conference founder Michael Campbell for The 2015 WOFC was held on January donation from promotional book sales at this event’s amazing support of SOBC. 30 and 31 in Vancouver. We are grateful the conference. Please see www.moneytalks.net/outlook that Special Olympics BC once again had The 2016 WOFC will be held January for more information.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 21 Team BC 2016 pumped to perform in Corner Brook

With the 2016 Special Olympics Canada compete at the National Games level. mother on nutrition once a week. Winter Games coming up next March, the Over the last year, not only have they been Baxter’s improved fitness has had a great 181 athletes, coaches, and mission staff on training hard in their sports, they have also impact on his curling form and his ability to get the Team BC 2016 Training Squad have been been working diligently to improve their into the delivery position. He is committed to hard at work preparing to be at their best in overall fitness by participating in SOBC Club being a good athlete, and he loves scoring for Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Fit programs, Team BC at-home training his team and winning medals. The 129 athletes earned their spots on exercises, functional testing, and a variety of SOBC Board of Directors Member Randy Team BC 2016 based on their performances in cross-training opportunities. Team members Smallwood, President & CEO of Silver the 2015 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in have also shown impressive commitment to Wheaton, has been named Team BC 2016 Kamloops. They have been training diligently healthy eating in order to be in tip-top shape at Honorary General Manager, and he has gone to be ready to give their all in alpine skiing, National Games. above and beyond to support and encourage cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, Longtime Special Olympics athlete David the team. He will travel to the National Games floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating Baxter has made huge changes: Between to cheer on the team, as is traditional for this at the first Special Olympics Canada Games June and his Team BC training camp in role, but he has also taken the time to attend ever to be held in Newfoundland and Labrador. October, he lost 60 pounds! Team BC and Team BC curling, speed skating, and snow The journey to the National Games is a long SOBC – Surrey curling coach Sheila Snell sports training camps in 2015. and exciting one for the members of Team worked with Baxter and his mother to set Follow Team BC 2016’s journey: BC 2016. These athletes have worked hard goals, and Baxter has delivered with the help www.soteambc2016.ca to advance through Regional Qualifiers and of his dedication, supporters, and meal plans. 2016 National Games information: Provincial Games to earn the opportunity to He trains twice a week and works with his www.cornerbrook2016.com Darren Inouye Annabel Stanley Team BC 2016 members at work in training camps and local efforts.

22 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Team BC 2016 pumped to perform in Corner Brook

Alpine Skiing Steven Dew Surrey Joe Grubweiser Comox Valley Hazen Meade Campbell Jay Laitar Surrey Keven Breland Comox Valley River Athletes Dwayne Wright - Coach Surrey Matthew Cadwell Comox Valley Jennifer Germann Prince George Cory Duhaime Delta Sheila Snell - Coach Surrey Max Porcher Comox Valley Katie Little Burnaby Erin Thom Kimberley/ Krista Meikle Victoria Cranbrook Richard Gillis Kelowna Patrick Campbell Victoria Jesse Price North Shore Dale Eckert Powell River Robert Lang Powell River Steven Seminuk Coquitlam Jonathan Robins Kimberley/ Lance Barker Powell River Tanya Norman Powell River Tegan Raines Prince George Cranbrook Michele Lacroix Powell River Terry Daniels Comox Valley Terri Carelius Victoria Kelsey Wyse Kelowna Richard Lang Powell River Ed Houlihan - Coach Comox Valley Tony Wilkinson Kelowna Michael Langridge Victoria Thomas White Powell River Larry Cagna - Coach Comox Valley William Thatcher Trail Neil Rye Kimberley/ Bill Scobbie - Coach Port Alberni Randy James - Coach Comox Valley Cranbrook Susan Storry - Coach Powell River Coaches Roxana Podrasky Kimberley/ Alison Rodrigues Vancouver Maureen Brinson Cranbrook Alfred Schotel Quesnel Dallas Stager Vancouver - Head Coach Campbell Susan Wang Surrey River Edward Ng Vancouver Torben Schuffert Smithers Dean Cake Quesnel David Wilkinson Kelowna Gordon Balderstone Vancouver Glenda Melnychuk Quesnel Kim Perkins Victoria Coaches Martin Scriver Quesnel Greg Jung Vancouver Ron Aarstad Coquitlam Randy Scott Travis Burt Quesnel John Chen Vancouver – Head Coach North Shore Tina Giesbrecht Burns Lake Richard Lindstrom - Coach Quesnel Ken McLean Vancouver Mark Schnurr Coquitlam Wilma Van Hage Prince George Rick Prosk - Coach Quesnel Mathew Schmiing Vancouver Molly Evanshen North Shore Matthew McRae Vancouver Steve Norton Kimberley/ Cranbrook Ken Davidson Comox Valley Nellie-Jo Kurta Vancouver Speed Skating Tom Advocaat Coquitlam Cody Booth Port Alberni Nick Chan Vancouver Athletes Michael Booth Port Alberni Ottavio Campese Vancouver Brad Laforce Coquitlam Shelley Marinus Comox Valley Raymond Mabayo Vancouver Chris Hamilton Abbotsford Cross-Country Skiing Sherri Lines Comox Valley Richard Louis Vancouver Eric Bruneau Coquitlam Athletes Art Peck - Coach Nanaimo Ryan Stewart Richmond Karl Anderson Coquitlam Barb Conway Prince George Cheryl Clay - Coach Campbell Sandra Malku Richmond Mark Hamblett Victoria Brian Whitfield Prince George River Craig Hikida - Coach Vancouver Matthew Williams Langley Chantal Chan Vancouver Elise Bulla - Coach Vancouver Nicky Chow Richmond Cory Melnychuk Quesnel Figure Skating Vanessa Ho - Coach Vancouver Paige Norton Abbotsford Danny Lafreniere Prince George Rene Girard Coquitlam Dennis Lynch Nanaimo Athletes Brogan Beliveau Grand Forks Sarah Maxwell Victoria Alex Pang Vancouver Francis Stanley Kelowna Charlie Kain Grand Forks Sean Casey Coquitlam Josh Pudney Prince George Alexandra Magee Surrey David Wong Burnaby Coaches Justin Sigal Vernon Arianna Phillips Nanaimo Dominic Inacio Burnaby Donna Bilous - Head Coach Abbotsford Katarina Gerhardt Kelowna Darlene Jakubowski Fort St. John Doug Birdsall Burnaby Don Bruneau Coquitlam Kelly Hein Prince George Laura Dale Terrace Jacob Raschpichler Grand Forks Logan Litz Coquitlam Kelvin (Casey) Westerman Prince George Marc Theriault Surrey Jake Miller Trail Rosella Infanti Coquitlam Kirk Gawryluk Kelowna Michael Phillips Nanaimo James Warman Creston Stephanie Divin Surrey Neil Melesko Kelowna Joey Conrad Burnaby Tamika Broere-Shaw Vancouver Rita Cavenaile Prince George Kathy Schmidt Creston Mission Staff Sean Beddows Surrey Coaches Maclean Brown Creston Leslie Thornley SOBC staff Shelly Poland Golden Elizabeth Roman - Head Coach Surrey Matthew Milburn Burnaby Shawn Fevens SOBC staff Tracey Melesko Kelowna Janice Chan Richmond Mike Windsor Grand Forks Darren Inouye Region 5 Coordinator Coaches Jessica Chapelski Vancouver Steven Stirling Creston Emma Woo SOBC staff Garth Vickers - Head Coach Kelowna Kailee Bowman Victoria Cathy Chlopecki - Coach Creston George Maclagan Campbell Annabel Stanley Kelowna Derek Taylor - Coach Grand Forks River Calvin Dyck Prince George Floor Hockey Richard Chlopecki - Coach Creston Georgina McIntosh Elk Valley Joanne March Kelowna Jean Tetarenko Region 6 Karen Zawortny Vancouver Andrew Swindlehurst Powell River Coordinator Ray Huson Penticton Bill Polz Nanaimo Snowshoeing Jill Harris SOBC staff Bobby Bolen Comox Valley Athletes Morgan Hunter SOBC staff Brad Hogan Comox Valley Alex Evanshen North Shore Tom Norton Abbotsford Curling Chris Harrington Kelowna Chase Caron Prince George Dale Wright Surrey Colin Wells Comox Valley Cherie Swaan Quesnel Danny Pace Victoria Jake Hooper Comox Valley Danny Dodgson Quesnel David Baxter Surrey Jason Mills Nanaimo Deborah Broadley Vancouver

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 23 2016 Regional Qualifiers restart summer-sport competition cycle We’re excited about the 2016 season of summer-sport Regional these exciting competitions, and 2016 will see many firsts. The first Qualifiers, where Special Olympics BC athletes all over the province will Basketball Regional Qualifiers to be held on the Island and in the North give their all while competing to qualify for the 2017 Special Olympics will be hosted by SOBC – Campbell River and SOBC – Prince George, BC Summer Games. respectively, and Kelowna and Fort St. John will be hosting their first- In the 2017 Provincial Games, athletes will compete for the ever rhythmic gymnastics qualifiers. opportunity to advance to the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Big thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who make these Games, the qualifier for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer important opportunities possible, and best of luck to all competitors! Games. Please check specialolympics.bc.ca/2016-regional-qualifiers for the For SOBC athletes, it all starts right here with the Regional most up-to-date information. Qualifiers. A significant number of Locals around the province will host

Regions Regions Sport Date Location Participating Sport Date Location Participating

5-Pin Bowling April 9-10, 2016 Trail 1 Golf May 14, 2016 Creston 1

5-Pin Bowling May 7, 2016 Kamloops 2 Golf June 18, 2016 Kamloops 2

5-Pin Bowling February 21, 2016 Mission 3 Golf July 10, 2016 Sunshine Coast 3, 4, 5

5-Pin Bowling Delta 4 Golf Victoria 6

5-Pin Bowling 5 Golf June 25-26, 2016 Quesnel 8

5-Pin Bowling March 12, 2016 Port Alberni 6

5-Pin Bowling February 7, 2016 Smithers 7 Powerlifting March 20, 2016 (Winter Open) Richmond All

5-Pin Bowling April 16, 2016 Dawson Creek 8

Rhythmic Gym. Kelowna 1, 2

10-Pin Bowling Kelowna 2 Rhythmic Gym. April 30, 2016 Abbotsford 3

10-Pin Bowling Surrey 3 Rhythmic Gym. April 24, 2016 Richmond 4, 5

10-Pin Bowling Vancouver 5 Rhythmic Gym. March/April 2016 Victoria 6

10-Pin Bowling April 9, 2016 Nanaimo 6 Rhythmic Gym. May 7-8, 2016 Fort St. John 7, 8

10-Pin Bowling February 27, 2016 Prince George 8

Soccer June 25-26, 2016 Abbotsford 1, 2, 3, 4

Athletics June 11-12, 2016 Langley 2,3,4,5,7,8 Soccer June 25, 2016 Cowichan Valley 6

Athletics June 18, 2016 Nanaimo 6 Soccer June 4-5, 2016 Quesnel 8

Basketball March 19-20, 2016 North Shore 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Softball June 4-5, 2016 Coquitlam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Basketball Campbell River 6 Softball May 28-29, 2016 Campbell River 6

Basketball May 1, 2016 Prince George 7, 8

Swimming June 12, 2016 Cranbrook 1

Bocce May 28, 2016 Nelson 1 Swimming April 9, 2016 Kelowna 2

Bocce June 11-12, 2016 Oliver 2 Swimming March 13, 2016 Coquitlam 3

Bocce May 28-29, 2016 Langley 3 Swimming Burnaby 4

Bocce Vancouver 5 Swimming Vancouver 5

Bocce July 9 or 10, 2016 Oceanside 6 Swimming April 16-17, 2016 Comox 6

Swimming May 15, 2016 Smithers 7 Swimming April 9, 2016 Fort St. John 8

If you have any questions, please contact Shawn Fevens by phone at 604-737-3055 / 1-888-854-2276 toll-free or [email protected]

24 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Safeway nourishes Special Olympics champions From October 16 to November 1, the 2015 athletes, coaches, and parents in their pursuit Special Olympics Canada and Safeway Nourish of proper nutrition in order to perform their Champions campaign raised significant funds best. and awareness for Special Olympics programs Safeway customers were invited to make coordinator Pat Oldershaw made a beautiful in communities across western Canada. This a donation of $2 at any Safeway store and placemat set for a draw. Local Coordinator year’s campaign, which raised $520,084 in return receive 5 AIR MILES Reward Miles. Denise Thiessen said the support from Safeway nationwide, had an emphasis on nourishing The campaign featured an awareness day and their community is so appreciated. champions and supporting Special Olympics on October 24, where Special Olympics BC “We had a great day, met some wonderful athletes and volunteers visited people, and the awesome support from the Safeway stores throughout community is overwhelming!” Thiessen said. the province. “We enjoy doing this each year as it gets my In 100 Mile House, the local athletes mingling with the community, and it’s athletes greeted Safeway wonderful to see the smiles on their faces, but customers at the door and also on the customers’ faces!” pointed them to coffee and Safeway staff go to great lengths to deliver cake in the floral department. strong campaigns in their stores to benefit Safeway donated a wooden Special Olympics. In the Surrey Fleetwood bird house and SOBC – 100 store, Produce Manager Jason Purnell Nelson Powell River Mile House fundraising challenged the staff to don the jerseys of the —the team their store manager most hates—and they couldn’t take them off until the store raised $1,000 in donations that day! Also in Surrey, the Strawberry Hill store staff worked hard to promote the campaign and recruited local Princess Margaret Secondary School students to assist, while SOBC – Surrey volunteers and athletes had the opportunity to chat with local families and distribute information about their programs. Hundreds of SOBC athletes and volunteers around the province provide terrific support for the efforts of their local Safeway stores and do a wonderful job of generating awareness. In November 2015, Special Olympics Canada and Sobeys Inc. announced an expanded Smithers national partnership through the Sobeys Better Food Fund, taking their significant support of Special Olympics coast to coast. The partnership will centre on providing increased access to nutrition education for Canadians with intellectual disabilities. Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, , Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians for 108 years. Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton’s Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations. Sobeys and its franchise affiliates employ more than 125,000 people. The company’s purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be Vancouver found at sobeyscorporate.com.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 25 New Car Dealers making a difference with SOBC B.C.’s New Car Dealers have been making in order to raise funds for Special Olympics comprised of volunteer members working a difference with Special Olympics BC and the work of the New Car Dealers with Special Olympics BC and New Car for more than 30 years. The 2015 New Foundation. The 2015 auction raised nearly Dealers Foundation staff. The volunteer Car Dealers Foundation of BC / Special $187,000, bringing the three-decade total to members have given countless hours to the Olympics Auction showed the relationship nearly $4.4 million. auction in order to support the charities. is going strong, as Dealers and supporters The highly successful annual auction They generously seek out auction items, donated the greatest number of items yet is powered by a dedicated committee encourage bidding, and provide strong guidance and insights that have made the event succeed and grow over the last 28 years. Five cars were generously donated THANKS TO OUR VEHICLE DONORS by the BC Honda Dealers Association, BC Jeep Dealers, BC Ford Dealers, Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealers of BC, and Toyota BC Dealers. 2015 Honda 2015 Jeep 2015 Ford 2015 Chevrolet 2015 Toyota The longtime annual auction is Fit Cherokee Fiesta S Hatch Trax 1LT FWD Yaris 3 Door CE Sport 4x2 Hatchback open to New Car Dealers members who bid generously in support of Special Olympics and the New Car Dealers Foundation. Auction items DONATED BY DONATED BY DONATED BY DONATED BY DONATED BY BC Honda Dealers BC Jeep Dealers BC Ford Dealers Chevrolet Buick Toyota were solicited or donated by New Car Association GMC Dealers of BC BC Dealers Dealers from communities throughout British Columbia—from Northern B.C. THANKS TO THOSE DEALERS WHO SUPPORTED THE AUCTION to Greater Vancouver, from Vancouver WITH A CASH PLEDGE OR BY DONATING AUCTION ITEMS Island to the Kootenay-Rockies. In addition to providing vital Logo Standardssupport to SOBC, the auction also enables the New Car Dealers New Car Dealers AssociationFoundation of BC of BC to support a wide range of community initiatives, including local charities, sports teams, community events, and scholarships for young people entering the automotive industry. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the New Car Dealers who make the auction happen and who bid for the betterment of the charities. MinimumOur size relationship - For legibility, with the the logo New must Car not be reducedDealers smaller of B.C. than is shown a much-appreciated - 32mm width partnership that has played a critical part in SOBC’s significant growth over Grey shading indicates Clear Space. the last three decades. This area must be kept clear of other elements. Over the last 30 years, New Car Dealers Association of BC staff LOGO COLOUR VARIATIONS members have pursued many and varied ways to support the athletes and help them succeed in their sports and in life. Like the New Car Dealers they represent, the association staff generously commit themselves to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics, and go above and

Pantone 280 Black beyond in finding other ways toPantone help 280 Pantone 280 C100 M85 Y5 K20 K30 athletes around the province. C100 M85 Y5 K20 30% Supporting Special Olympics

26 Special Olympics BC Bulletin

Black Black K100 K30 The logo should ideally always be on a white background, but if necessary, can be used as above, completely reversed out of a background colour.

FONTS USED IN LOGOTYPE

Impact Roman (angled 14°) Museo Slab 500 Italic

1234567890!@#$%^&*()_=+ 1234567890!@#$%^&*()_=+ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

DON’T ABUSE YOUR LOGO

DON’T DISTORT YOUR LOGO DON’T REPOSITION ELEMENTS DON’T CHANGE COLOURS New Car Dealers making a difference with SOBC BC is one of the two primary charitable endeavours of the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, along with supporting education for those wishing to enter or advance within the industry. New Car Dealers are truly community minded, focused on the places where they’ve built their businesses and on giving back. Supporting Special Olympics has been a powerful and rewarding way to do that, says New Car Dealers Association of BC President and CEO Blair Qualey. Whenever there is the opportunity to Wolseley Canada has been a valued partner of Special Olympics since 2004. In 2015, bring New Car Dealers Board of Directors Wolseley became the official sponsor of the Special Olympics Canada Draft an Athlete members and Special Olympics athletes national program, drafting 20 athletes for 2015 World Games, including several SOBC together, “everyone always walks away athletes. feeling totally inspired, often with tears During the year, Wolseley staff hosted a variety of fundraisers and events, and met Team in their eyes,” Qualey says. “It’s happened Canada athletes in branches and at SO events. Pictured here at the SOBC – Langley January many times at our Board meetings. … We Jam basketball tournament (left to right) are Alex of the Langley Wolseley branch, Mike are very fortunate to work with such a Heeps, Wolseley Branch Area Manager – BC Lower Mainland, SOBC – Langley and Team group of people who work so hard, who Canada basketball athletes Alastair Singh and Matthew Williams, and Wade Iannacone, Wolseley Langley Branch Manager. come back from so many challenges.” Special Olympics Canada is delighted that Wolseley has confirmed they will continue their SOBC and the New Car Dealers work with SOC and the Draft an Athlete program. Foundation extend sincere thanks to the auction committee and to everyone who supported the 2015 auction. We look forward to continued success in 2016. To get involved, please contact Signature Authentics seals their Christina Hadley, SOBC Vice President, Fund Development & Communications, at support for Special Olympics 604-737-3073 / 1-888-854-2276 toll-free Signature Authentics supports Special autographed Blue / [email protected]. Olympics across the country and right here in Jays and Maple British Columbia, with funds generated from Leafs art prints. Now, with nearly 20 years in Special thanks to the sealed-bid auctions in this province going the industry and having had the privilege to Auction Committee: to Special Olympics BC initiatives. Signature work with sports icons like Wayne Gretzky, Authentics operates in 75 locations throughout Maurice Richard, , and many Manse Binkley, Harmony Honda & the province. more, Signature Authentics has become one Harmony Acura Signature Authentics started in 1993, of the most respected names in the sports Doug Bower, The Vancouver Sun & The Province primarily as an art publisher and distributor. memorabilia and marketing business. With the success of the Toronto sports Our thanks to Signature Authentics for Marnie Carter, Carter Auto Family franchises at that time, SA created and their support, and to all those who bid in their John Chesman distributed limited editions of authentically sealed auctions.

Christina Hadley, Special Olympics BC

Dan Howe, Special Olympics BC Rhythmic gymnastics has Pam Keith, Dueck Auto Group taken off across the province in 2015, with new programs Dave Meyerink, Harris Auto Group for SOBC athletes in Joe Mitchell, Carter Auto Family Chilliwack, Cowichan Valley, Dawson Creek, Keremeos, Blair Qualey, New Car Dealers Association of BC Salt Spring Island, and the Sunshine Coast. The sport was John Wynia, Harbourview Volkswagen given an additional boost from development and competition and to all the other dealers who made cash events with experts brought pledges, solicited auction items and bid on in to work with SOBC athletes items. in Castlegar, Surrey, and Victoria.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 27 Stories from Special Olympics BC Locals

News from SOBC – 100 Mile House the coaches, volunteers, and our wonderful exceptional swimmer, and a leader in By Denise Thiessen, Local Coordinator sponsors. I am thankful I have all this help Castlegar. His confidence is a gift that he walking with me on this extraordinary path to naturally passes along to other athletes. His We had an awesome year this year! The greatness. I would like to say again from the example has encouraged athletes like Anne Safeway day was a great success, our short bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your Allen. Last year at this time she was terrified golf season wasn’t rained out even once, and great sponsorship, help, and wisdom. of water and never wanted to swim in deep at the end of this year we looked forward to a water. Chris’s example has affected Anne so “tree hunt” fundraiser. Mr. Myhill-Jones from much that she swam in two competitions, Timbermart invited us all out to his acreage attaining first and second place. This has built a to cut down trees to sell by donation at the confidence in Anne that can be readily seen in store. This is the second year we have done all aspects of her life. this. So we applaud you Chris, Anne, and all our Last year was a trial run with not a huge athletes as you push hard to become the best turnout, but we raised just over $1,000. you can be. And we applaud the executive and This year we were at 30 people by mid- volunteers in Castlegar who are supporting our November! We have a bonfire, chili, hotdogs, amazing athletes in Castlegar. hot chocolate, and of course Christmas treats for the athletes! Our 5-pin bowling on Tuesday nights is in full swing and continues until April. We had three new athletes join up this year and all else is good! Story from SOBC – Campbell River From a speech composed by Tye Cranton and read by his mother Terri Cranton.

My name is Tye Cranton and I am a powerlifter. SOBC – Campbell River athlete Tye Cranton Special Olympics has let me have the and mother Terri Cranton at the 2015 Howie opportunity to be someone extraordinary, Meeker Charity Golf Classic. to be an athlete, to be a role model, to be a good friend, and to just be me. I am in a few different sports including 5- and 10- News from SOBC – Castlegar By Deb Hartland pin bowling, curling, powerlifting, and I am beginning track and field in the spring. It has been a tremendously successful year for I have had lots of opportunities to meet SOBC – Castlegar, mainly due to the efforts wonderfully nice and incredibly generous of a motivated and strong executive who people. I have made countless friends, and have given 100 per cent to help develop and I have great respect for everyone who is sustain Special Olympics sports in Castlegar. involved with Special Olympics. The executive have been able to introduce A great day with the SOBC – Castlegar crew. Our biggest event is the Howie Meeker competitive rhythmic gymnastics and soon Charity Golf Classic tournament. That is the will be establishing a Club Fit program. In one day out the 365 days that really is the addition, our enthusiastic and encouraging News from SOBC – Chilliwack undisputed heart and soul of Special Olympics swim coaches Megan, Tweyla, Courtney, and By Val Monty, Co-Local Coordinator BC – Campbell River. Samantha have added a second-choice practice So to wrap this all up, I would like to turn time, which ensures more athletes can be One of our Executive Committee members, your attention to my wonderful mom, who involved in swimming. Over the past year, our Kathy MacDonald, was given a Sports Hero is reading this to you all for me. My mom has swim team has completely doubled in size. The Award by the City of Chilliwack this year for her supported me, been with me, cheered the athletes all returned from competitions this volunteer contributions with Special Olympics loudest for me, and without her I really do feel year with first-, second-, or third-place ribbons. Chilliwack over the years. like there would be no Tye Cranton in Special The success of Special Olympics sports is Joanne Bunnin, one of our powerlifters, Olympics. I am glad to say I am Tye Cranton, also sustained by the support of our athletes won three gold medals at the 2015 Special and I am an athlete. I respect the original who are proving to be real leaders in life. In Olympics World Games in Los Angeles this Special O Athlete’s Oath, and I would like to particular, Chris Paulson’s strong swimming summer. create my own personal one here as well: and floor hockey skills have encouraged other In addition, we have expanded our programs Please God give me all the strength and power athletes to become involved and work to and increased the number of athletes that we to do my best in every sport I’m involved in. become the best they can be. have participating this year. We are looking I would also like to personally thank all Chris is a Special Olympics athlete, an forward to continued expansion.

28 Special Olympics BC Bulletin represent Canada and win medals in three Melnychuk, Travis Burt, Martin Scriver, and World Games. When coaching and being Dean Cake. Alfred Schotel has since been Stories from Special Olympics BC Locals around the athletes, Dennis can often be heard added as a fifth member. saying, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” The other athletes also performed well, most notably Danny Dodgson, who won the News from SOBC – Kelowna Snapshot from SOBC – 100- and 200-metre snowshoeing races with SOBC – Kelowna has had a wonderful year, provincial-best times of 16.25 and 30.25 including the Kelowna Grizzlies softball team Salmon Arm seconds. Cherie Swaan and Cory Melnychuk Salmon Arm Observer being inducted into the SOBC Hall of Fame and will join Danny on the provincial team. the Local’s amazing successes with the Safeway SOBC – Quesnel marked another milestone and CrossFit24 fundraising events. In addition, this year with the registration of our 60th Grizzlies Head Coach Lorena Mead shared the athlete. Our 13 sport programs—alpine skiing, following tribute. athletics, basketball, bowling, Club Fit, cross- country skiing, curling, floor hockey, golf, Dennis Richardson has been a coach with rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, snowshoeing, Special Olympics for 15 years. He has coached and swimming—fill out a year-round schedule. 10-pin bowling, powerlifting, and softball. As This year, we hosted competitions in bowling, one of the coaches for the last 11 years with soccer, and golf. Typically, our other sport the Special Olympics BC – Kelowna Grizzlies, programs involve travel to competitions, Dennis has been to two Regional Qualifiers, and we headed to Smithers, Fort. St. John, and two Provincial, National, and World SOBC – Salmon Arm bocce players and coach Kelowna, Burnaby, and Prince George. Games. Jacquie Bolen after winning first place in Fundraising has been and continues to be Division C at the June 2015 tournament hosted Dennis goes above and beyond the usual a top priority. We’ve had great community by SOBC – South Okanagan. aspects of coaching. He has taught the support, either through grants or corporate athletes the importance of exercise and eating donations, and have partnered with healthfully as part of a lifelong skill. Dennis News from SOBC – Quesnel organizations to take advantage of fundraising treats the athletes with respect, and they By Rick Prosk, Program Coordinator opportunities. Our fourth annual ticket raffle respect him. Dennis has made a difference last year raised over $8,000. in the lives of the athletes by supporting We’re heading to National Games! 2016 will We also give back to our community. We them both on and off the softball field with mark the first time that Special Olympics BC – supported the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle his knowledge, humor, positive attitude, and Quesnel athletes have qualified to attend the Campaign. For the fourth year, our Relay for dedication to them and their sport. Dennis Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. Life team raised money for cancer research. mentors and encourages the athletes to be the In February 2015, Quesnel sent eight curlers, This year’s total of $4,735 brings our grand best that they can be. All of this is done while three snowshoers, and one cross-country skier total to more than $15,000. he is having fun. to the SOBC Winter Games in Kamloops. One In September, we launched a new program With the help of Dennis, the other coaches, curling team finished third in the B Division, called Make Quesnel Proud, which focused on and the softball players, the Kelowna Grizzlies while the other went undefeated in C Division our past accomplishments but also served to have been named to the Special Olympics and has since been selected to move on to motivate the athletes for the year to come, BC Hall of Fame as the only team in B.C. to National Games. These athletes are Glenda the National Games, and the summer 2016 Regional Qualifiers. The program reminds athletes that they should always strive to represent their community well, both when competing here and elsewhere, and in their everyday lives. SOBC – Quesnel began quietly back in 1992 in order to enter a group of athletes into the Northern BC Winter Games being hosted in Quesnel the following February. Several volunteers from that time are still involved in the organization either as coaches, Executive Committee members, or both. It is this dedication that has allowed Quesnel to continue growing and developing. All of our sport programs are currently headed up by coaches who’ve now put in several years of service. The commitment they’ve shown, along with other hard-working volunteers and Executive members, has allowed SOBC – Quesnel to become a well-known and respected volunteer organization in our community.

SOBC – Quesnel athletes and coaches ready to roll in the 2015 SOBC Winter Games. continued on next page

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 29 continued from previous page

with their team. Darren Inouye News from SOBC – Sunshine Coast We have been By Mike Oswald, Athlete Reporter fortunate enough Hello everybody! 2015 was full of to have athletes accomplishments for Special Olympics on from off-coast the Sunshine Coast. Fifty-six athletes, several come visit us. The coaches, and even more volunteers ushered in Coquitlam Tigers a season of personal bests, skill improvement played softball in and friendly competition, fabulous fundraising, the sun against the and of course, who can forget World Games Ravens, and a team in Los Angeles! Swimming Head Coach Marie of Vancouver bocce Telder travelled there and athletes on her players enjoyed the team won the first gold medal for Canada and quiet game with our broke the World Games record for a relay! athletes. Other travel adventures included swimmers ’s Genny Verge and Michael Beckman who women’s basketball attended a skills camp at Simon Fraser team held a skills The Sunshine Coast Ravens hold high the 2015 World University, and our whole team travelling to camp at Elphinstone Games Circle of Inclusion. Vancouver for a meet. The Gibsons basketball Secondary School team went to a tournament in Coquitlam, and taught us a whole new way to look at the Even though people in the community returning as first in their division! Our softball game! donate their time, dollars are also appreciated. team, the Ravens, travelled to Coquitlam, the Even on the Coast, we are lucky to have Thanks to fundraising efforts, new equipment soccer team headed to Delta, and the curling teams in both Sechelt and Gibsons that visit was purchased for our rhythmic gymnastics team travelled to Abbotsford. each other for games of basketball and soccer. team, among other things. We thank everyone Floor hockey athletes Dustin Archer, Gus Our local RCMP likes to get involved with who bought a raffle ticket or attended Ken Vaughn, Brandon Lacey, and Chris Walker took our Special O teams as well. They have played McBride’s concert at the Sunshine Coast Arts part in the skills competition at the SOBC floor hockey with our Bears and basketball Centre, and the many people who donate – Vancouver Annual Jon Baillie Invitational with the Sechelt team, and had planned to goods and services to help our efforts. Our Floor Hockey Tournament along with Assistant participate in a soccer game with the Sechelt wonderful athlete/fundraiser Jordan McCourt, Coach Darren Lane. Although they were unable and Gibsons teams. We are confident we will who collects bottles and cans all year, donated to compete because they do not yet have a see the officers on the field next season. generously to our organization as well as other large enough travel team, the rush of seeing One of the highlights of the year is the notable causes. high-level games played was treat enough. SOBC – Sunshine Coast volunteer appreciation So, 2015 was quite the year for Special O in Archer, Vaughn, Lacey, Bryan Ware, Lindsey banquet. In 2015, five-year service pins were our little slice of paradise. We are all awaiting Pearson, and Derrick Pye along with coaches awarded to Bertrand, Telder, Robert Wotton, 2016 as Regional Qualifiers are coming up! Go, Chuck and Annette Bertrand travelled to Tania Flynn, and Randy Younghusband, with a Special O! Eaglequest Golf in Surrey for a fun tournament 10-year pin going to Jeannie Barwise.

Inspiring new video shows power of Special Olympics “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to show and Derek Santema as the everyone what I can do.” voiceover actors. In 2015, Special Olympics BC reteamed Sutherland, who previously with talented writer-director Naim Sutherland created a moving PSA to create a new video showcasing inspiring featuring the story of SOBC – athletes and the impact of our movement. Campbell River athlete Bryan Working with producer Diana Donaldson of Jorgensen, said he wanted Allude Entertainment, a valued film crew, and to “showcase some of the a terrific team of athletes, Sutherland created wide variety of sports that a powerful PSA showing the confidence and Special Olympics athletes abilities that athletes develop through Special participate in … while showing Alpine skier Jesse Price makes movie magic in studio with Olympics. the personal growth someone director Naim Sutherland and dolly grip Paolo Maolo. The video stars rhythmic gymnast Danielle might experience by participating in Special inspired by the amazing athletes. I hope Juilfs, golfer Chelsea Kaake, figure skater Olympics.” they’re inspired to become a Special Olympics Matthew Lai, softball player Jaykob Low, Sutherland’s vision and filmmaking athlete themselves, or participate by becoming powerlifter Todd Moore, and alpine skier Jesse features SOBC athletes in a striking, high- a coach, volunteer or donor,” Sutherland said. Price as the visual actors, and athletes Lindsey quality manner that makes them look like the Watch the video on SOBC’s YouTube Aarstad, Adam Advocaat, Shane Carr, James powerful people they are. channel: youtube.com/specialolympicsbc Clifford, Chelsea Kaake, Mandy Manzardo, “I hope people who watch the video are Direct link: https://youtu.be/wOYQ9MksDFo

30 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Building mastery and empowerment through meaningful competition The opportunity to compete means so much groups to run competitions, redefining what to Special Olympics athletes, and plays a huge competition looks like, and encouraging high- part in skill development for both athletes quality competitions. and coaches. In 2015, Special Olympics BC We want to ensure athletes in all Regions launched a renewed emphasis on developing have access to competition, including in the and strengthening competition opportunities Kootenays and northern B.C., areas where for athletes throughout the province. travel costs and small populations make In order for Special Olympics athletes to it particularly difficult to hold meaningful truly master their sports, they need to do competitions. So SOBC is investing funds and more than just practice. SOBC athletes have time to develop opportunities for athletes shown time and again that they can achieve in the North and Kootenays, covering the excellence in their sports, but they—and costly travel to ensure athletes and teams can their coaches—need competition in order to have meaningful competitions, and working Oliver Sutherland pictured at left as a five- stimulate and demonstrate development. with other sport organizations to expand year-old Active Start participant and at right “Our athletes want to be treated as real opportunities for SOBC athletes. as an 11-year-old athlete running in his first athletes. They want to master skills, they Sport performance at a high level is track meet. want to perform those skills, they want to be possible for many Special Olympics athletes, recognized for having done well in those skills, and improved access to meaningful crossed the finish line in his first race. and they want to compete in those skills, which competition helps challenge what we think “Essentially he spontaneously combusted means they want to test themselves. They is possible for our athletes and show all that with happiness in that moment,” Sutherland want to test themselves against other people, they are capable of. said. they want to test themselves in front of an Leadership Council member James Through his first taste of competition, Oliver audience, and they want to determine whether Sutherland, parent of SOBC – North Shore was successful in his training, setting, they’ve done as well as they might,” says athlete Oliver, has watched his son grow from and sport performance, and also in helping his Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver. a five-year-old Active Start participant to an parents get over their fear that competition We are on a mission to ensure meaningful 11-year-old athlete who ran in his first-ever would be another area in his life where he feels competitions and opportunities for all athletes track meet in June 2015. Sutherland said he doesn’t measure up, Sutherland said. to develop and empower themselves through Oliver proved to be determined and diligent Instead, he said, “it’s empowering. Now competing. We are working with outside in his training, and experienced great joy as he Oliver is goal setting.”

Staples campaign a success for Special Olympics Richmond province and nationwide 2015 was another record-breaking year for Toonie. Share a Dream. campaign Staples Canada’s annual Give A Toonie. Share A for the past 10 years and a Staples Dream. campaign in support of Special Olympics employee for seven years. athletes across Canada. Thank you to Staples staff Staples raised $630,000 across the country, and customers, and to all the with Staples Langley raising the highest amount athletes and volunteers across the province who in B.C. gave their time and energy to this significant Salmon Arm During the campaign, which ran from May 2 to campaign now in its 15th year. 24, Staples staff across Canada invited customers This year’s Staples Canada/Special Olympics to donate at the till to help make dreams happen. BC Softball Tournament saw more than 20 In addition to the fundraising, the campaign was SOBC athletes join Staples staff softball teams also a chance for Staples staff and customers to in a day of cooperation and fun in Burnaby on meet hometown athletes and learn about Special July 11. Volunteers from the Burnaby Softball Olympics. Association made sure the fields were ready, Patty Holland, a Cranbrook Staples Services umpired, kept score, and even joined in the Manager, said she looked forward to having play. The Burnaby Lougheed Lions Club held a Penticton athletes in the store every day. delicious hotdog barbecue and there were great “It was the best part of the day for me,” raffle prizes. The event raised $1,140 for SOBC. Holland said. “The athletes’ interaction with “It was great to see so many players bring customers made the biggest difference to their kids and family members out to play donations. It’s a pleasure to have them.” and cheer,” said Eva Faith, Human Resources One of those athletes, Special Olympics BC Administrative Assistant—Western Region for – Kimberley/Cranbrook athlete Erin Thom, has Staples Canada. been an enthusiastic volunteer with the Give a Thank you, Staples!

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 31 Supportive Healthy Athletes screenings empower athletes In 2015, Special Olympics BC held popular Healthy Athletes screening events in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Nanaimo, and worked year-round to empower athletes to be as healthy as possible for their sports and throughout their lives. SOBC – Vancouver athlete Corey Yee used to resist going to dental and medical appointments because of discomfort and Ann Jorgensen unfamiliarity. At the SOBC Healthy Athletes Screening Day in Vancouver in April, Yee astounded his aunt Judy Yee by agreeably letting practitioners take his blood pressure, clean his teeth, and check his feet. At Fit Feet, an examination by volunteer podiatry professionals revealed an ingrown toenail on his right foot, shocking his aunt who diligently supports him in all his care. The Healthy Athletes in Kamloops Opening Eyes in Nanaimo understanding volunteers reassured her that Su Wieczorek such issues can develop very quickly, and they connected her with a podiatrist near their home so they could get an appointment right away. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it was” to have the issue discovered and addressed so quickly, Judy Yee said. “At this point you could have blown me away.” The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program addresses the fact that many people with intellectual disabilities have unique issues around health care and communicating FUNfitness in Vancouver their needs. Many have trouble realizing or expressing their health concerns, and many health professionals have not received specific per cent of the participating athletes, and training, or are not familiar enough with this showed 15 per cent had diseases of the gums population, to know the best questions to ask. and 12 per cent had at least one of eight Club Fit International Special Olympics research has different eye diseases. found that people with intellectual disabilities In October, the first-ever Healthy Athletes Special Olympics BC’s Club Fit program have a 40 per cent higher risk for health Screening Day in Nanaimo was a great success, is raising the bar for physical fitness, and problems. with 150 people with intellectual disabilities athletes are rising to the challenge and The professionals who lead Healthy Athletes participating in at least one discipline. The showing measurable benefits from their screenings have received training to help them event was the first of its kind on Vancouver participation. ask the right questions, and their interactions Island with all six traditional disciplines, Club Fit helps athletes of varying skill with Special Olympics athletes lead to referrals and featured a new discipline on mental levels age 14 and up improve their overall back into the health care system that ensure preparation called Strong Minds, Strong Bodies health and fitness outside of regular the individuals will get the treatment they that was part of a limited national pilot project. sports training. The weekly program need. Around 100 people went through Opening emphasizes strength and cardio, and can Healthy Athletes traditionally includes Eyes, resulting in 54 prescriptions for eyewear, include mental training, life skills, and screenings and support in Fit Feet (podiatry), which were donated by the Lions Club nutrition education. FUNfitness (physical therapy), Health Foundation. SOBC is excited to have a new manual Promotion (better health and well-being), The screening day was held in the same developed in 2015 that is available online Healthy Hearing (audiology), Special Olympics- facility as functional testing for the first time in for any Local interested in starting a Club Lions Club International Opening Eyes (vision), B.C. Many of the Healthy Athletes participants Fit program. and Special Smiles (dentistry). took advantage of the opportunity to visit For more information, please At the 2015 SOBC Winter Games in functional testing to have their fitness levels contact Morgan Hunter at mhunter@ Kamloops, 260 athletes from around the tested. specialolympics.bc.ca / 604-737.3081 or province had the opportunity to participate in Thank you to all the volunteers who made toll-free at 1-888-854-2276. Healthy Athletes screenings. The screenings these empowering screening days possible for resulted in new prescription eyewear for 23 SOBC athletes!

32 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Great outside opportunities for SOBC athletes

In 2015, Special Olympics BC athletes presented with their own Christiana Dürfeld experienced great new and continuing training awards, such as most and competition opportunities in outside improved swimmer, best organizations. time, and best dive. SOBC softball was once again featured “Our Special O swimmers in July at the Canadian Open Fastpitch absolutely love being International Championship, with two games included in our BV Otters between SOBC teams at Surrey’s Softball City. swim meets,” said Gale Tournament organizers hosted a reception and Jones, the SOBC – Smithers meet-and-greet for the SOBC athletes before Local Coordinator and a BV the first game. Athletes loved the opportunity Otters coach. “It helps them SOBC – Whistler Valley swimmers and coaches at their first to showcase their abilities at this world-class to feel like part of a bigger meet in April 2015. event and look forward to it every year. team and the swimming SOBC is fortunate to have great support community. It starts at the beginning of the raced in meets with the Tyee Aquatic Club. from Swim BC and generic swimming clubs meet where they are included in team cheers, Athletes in Abbotsford and Campbell River around the province who open their doors where each community tries to out cheer the have been offered similar opportunities, which to SOBC athletes, giving them supplemental other, all the way to the end where ribbons and are also very much appreciated. opportunities to compete and show their awards are given out.” Our thanks to the organizations who offer abilities. In Whistler, the athletes in the new SOBC these valuable and inclusive opportunities to Over the past two seasons, SOBC – Smithers – Whistler Valley swimming program gained our athletes! athletes have participated in four in-house a competitive opportunity in a meet with the SOBC Locals can contact Shawn Fevens, competitions, or mini-meets, with the local Whistler Sea Wolves Swim Club. This was a Manager, Sport, if they would like support to BV Otters Swim Club, as well as their regional welcoming and positive experience for the reach out to their local generic clubs about qualifier each season. The SOBC – Smithers athletes in this new program. opportunities: [email protected] program members also attended the BV On the Island, SOBC – Victoria swimmers or 604-737-3055 / 1-888-854-2276 toll-free. Otters year-end barbecue wrap-up and were such as Drew Sabourin and Dixon McGowan Region 1 and 2 conference participants inspire On April 17 to 19, more than 50 Special all. Region 5 Coordinator Darren Inouye led a The 2015-2016 Special Olympics BC Olympics BC coaches and volunteers from valuable presentation about effective use of Region 5 Conference on November 14 at the Regions 1 and 2 gathered in beautiful technology. Creekside Community Centre in Vancouver West Kelowna for a weekend of inspiring The conference also included sessions was a great success. More than 20 volunteers, conversations and valuable presentations at on Special Olympics financial procedures, coaches, and athlete representatives from their 2015 Regional Conference. paperwork, communications the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, and the North Coming together from 13 2016 Regional tools and competition cycles, Shore participated in a day of learning, sharing, Locals throughout the Regions, Conference dates working with young athletes and meaningful discussion of SOBC programs the participants did a fantastic and with fetal alcohol and initiatives. Topics included volunteerism, Regions 1 & 2 job of engaging with each other spectrum disorder, advice organizational efficiency, youth programs, April 30 to May 1 and sparking new ideas through Pines Bible Camp, Grand Forks from a pharmacist, and at- competition, and finances. discussions with experts at hand. Region 6 home training. Richard and Cathy Chlopecki of April 1 to 3 Special Olympics BC – Creston said Camp Qwanoes, Crofton they appreciated the informative Regions 7 & 8 presentations and the chance to September 30 to October 2 connect with fellow volunteers Ness Lake Bible Camp, Prince George from other Locals. They also valued the chance to engage with SOBC provincial office staff and hear more about resources available to them. “Every time we’re involved in something that encompasses beyond our Local, it’s beneficial,” Richard Chlopecki said. Region 2 Coordinator Sue Foisy, a certified trainer for the Crisis Prevention Institute, led an outstanding Sunday session about dealing with behavioural issues, where coaches and volunteers shared their own Region 1 & 2 conference participants. experiences and insights to great benefit for

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 33 Elevating performance with the SOBC Performance Program

Special Olympics BC’s Performance Program is of sport and performance by providing training a long-term plan for enhancing the skills and and tools to participating coaches and athletes SOBC Performance Program supported by performance of coaches and through them, all so they can share them with everyone in their SOBC athletes. home communities. The program is not just for elite athletes— We believe that by giving coaches better it’s for coaches who are open to new training resources and tools, they can then train techniques and athletes who are committed athletes better, who in turn raise the level of to training. Participating coaches and athletes competition making everyone’s performance take the skills that they learn back to their level rise. local programs to benefit all athletes, not just The program involves three components: a few. The goal is to elevate everyone’s level • by-invitation camps where athletes and coaches from all over the province work with sport-specific experts and sport science experts to help develop their skills and knowledge and give them tools to share; • functional testing sessions that provide direct feedback on where the athletes are in their fitness and how they can improve, helping motivate the athletes and guide training; and • coach-only camps and summits where coaches come together to learn from experts, share their experience with others, and collaborate on ideas.

New Performance Program opportunities introduced in 2015 included the first camps for 5- and 10-pin bowling, bocce, curling, figure skating, golf, and rhythmic gymnastics, new dryland practices for cross-country skiing, the first Performance Program team sports camp for floor hockey and soccer, and the Athletics and Snowshoeing Performance Camp that was Athletes and coaches thank the Government of Canada at the first SOBC Figure Skating the first such event to bring together summer Performance Camp. and winter sports athletes and coaches. Coaches are excited by the opportunities to work together and build skills. Figure skating coach Landis Graham of SOBC – Vancouver said she was glad to see SOBC coaches coming together through the Performance Program and learning from each other. “Coach collaboration and coaches getting to know each other across the province is really important. … It is good to share and make everyone stronger across the province,” she said. Debbie Roblin of SOBC – Fort St. John was among the seven participants at the first SOBC Bocce Performance Camp, which was a coach- specific camp, and she too benefitted from the opportunity to connect with fellow coaches. “I enjoyed the networking and the sharing of stories as to what works for certain athletes or certain disabilities. I truly enjoyed the team spirit that was shared,” Roblin said. In addition to connecting coaches with their SOBC peers and other sport and training Track athletes thank RBC Foundation for their support at the first SOBC Performance Program experts, the Performance Program teaches camp that brought summer and winter sport coaches and athletes together. valuable new techniques to athletes and

34 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Elevating performance with the SOBC Performance Program SOBC Board of Directors Special Olympics BC is fortunate to have outstanding leadership and support from our Board of British Columbia Directors. Our sincere thanks to all of the members of the Board of Directors who so generously give their time to strengthen the ongoing quality and value of this organization.

Chair: Ted Hirst Past Chair: Pamela Keith Vice Chair: Chuck Jeannes Secretary: Michael Campbell Treasurer: Colin Yakashiro Directors: Michael Coyle Victor de Bonis SOBC rhythmic gymnastics athlete Ashley Gray of SOBC – Burnaby (left) and coach Michelle Grenville Finch-Noyes Cooper of SOBC – Victoria (right) working with expert Mario Lam of the BC Rhythmic Gymnastics Peter C. Kalbfleisch Federation at a Performance camp. Richard J. Lucy Colin MacKinnon coaches alike. It pushes the boundary of what Murray Shapiro we think is possible for training. At the dryland Randy Smallwood SOBC Cross-Country Skiing Performance Camp, Patty Wheeldon participants headed to the hills in Kelowna and learned several new training techniques. SOBC – Kelowna’s Garth Vickers, Team BC 2016 Head Coach for cross-country skiing, led a hike along Crawford Park trails where he showed participants proper poling techniques and how to approach hills and valleys, simulating what it would be like on snow—a first-time camp experience. “It helped me with my endurance, and how to place my poles,” said SOBC – Kelowna athlete Katarina Gerhardt, a Team BC 2016 cross-country skier. Gerhardt also got to try the new cross- training session with in-line skates when participants hit the rink with expert Dallas Kurtz. Kurtz taught proper skating technique, Cross-country skier Katarina Gerhardt Special Olympics BC – Surrey athlete turning, breaking, how to fall safely, and getting on inline skates at a Performance Jay Laitar assesses his strength in skating with poles in sessions that reinforced Program training camp to help build balance the wall sit exercise during an SOBC techniques from previous Performance camps. and technique. functional testing session in June 2015. “I had never been on roller blades before,” Open to all SOBC athletes, functional testing involves exercises that measure Gerhardt said. “I have poor balance and it Foundation help make SOBC Performance fitness and foundational movements, helped my balance.” Program opportunities possible. which are used to test fitness levels In 2015, SOBC also hosted Performance For more information and stories, please and to motivate and guide training. Program camps in alpine skiing, athletics, visit specialolympics.bc.ca/performance- SOBC now hosts functional testing cross-country skiing, powerlifting, program or contact Emma Woo, SOBC sessions around the province to show snowshoeing, soccer, and speed skating. Manager, Sport Performance, by email at the personal progress of each athlete Significant support from the Government [email protected] or by phone at and provide feedback to coaches. of Canada and a $20,000 grant from RBC 604-616-1342 / 1-888-854-2276 toll-free.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 35 motionball supports SOBC with successful fundraisers and awareness campaign motionball was onside with Special Olympics BC again in 2015 with the winning Marathon of Sport fundraisers and the YELLOWCARD campaign to end derogatory use of the R-word. The ninth annual Marathon of Sport Vancouver brought together 24 teams of young professionals and 37 SOBC athletes for a day of inclusive sport and fun at the amazing EA Sports complex on June 6. The event crushed its previous records by raising $80,000 net for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation and Special Olympics programs SOBC – Vancouver athlete Annabelle SOBC athletes get a warm welcome at the across the country. Davis and VPD Chief Constable Adam Vancouver Marathon of Sport. One parent said the event was a “fantastic Palmer showed the R-word a yellow card. experience” for her daughter, a Special Olympics athlete. Olympics athletes, less about the competition B.C., Vancouver Canucks forward Chris Higgins “Her teammates were just awesome and more about the athletes,” said motionball and our law enforcement partners such as with her, and it gave her the chance to play Chairman and Co-Founder Paul Etherington, the Abbotsford, Delta, and Vancouver Police sports she had never played before and who came west to join the fun. Departments and Transit Police got involved feel completely included. This was the first motionball is a not-for-profit whose mandate to advocate respect and show the R-word a time she had been invited to this event, and is to introduce the next generation of donors, yellow card. we can’t say enough about what an excellent volunteers and sponsors to the Special In soccer, a yellow card is shown to experience it was for our family. So thank you!” Olympics movement through integrated social offending players as a warning that they she wrote. and sporting events. Since inception in 2002, have crossed a line; in the same way, the Two weeks later, the fourth annual motionball has donated over $5 million to the YELLOWCARD campaign aims to inform Marathon of Sport Kelowna presented by Special Olympics Canada Foundation. Canadians that the R-word is offensive and Interior Savings was another huge hit, with On October 8, the second annual hurtful even if used in a way that seems 19 teams of young professionals and 34 Special YELLOWCARD Day saw motionball and harmless. Olympics athletes, and $53,000 raised. supporters stage events across Canada to call Learn more and take the pledge: “It’s all about integration with the Special for an end to the hurtful use of the R-word. In motionball.com/yellowcard

Mary Brown’s support of Special Olympics Donate your vehicle to SOBC You can donate your launches in B.C. vehicle to support Mary Brown’s, a Special Olympics Canada Special Olympics national partner, brought their fundraising BC—there is no cost to you, and it’s incredibly easy! Working on our behalf, Donate a Car takes care of campaign to B.C. in 2015 after opening their the entire donation process from the pick up to the first B.C. store in Kelowna. final sale, and works to maximize the dollar amount Throughout July, Mary Brown’s donated passed on to SOBC. proceeds from the sale of their solid chocolate Donating your car to support SOBC is a taters to SOC. And on Big Mary Day, July 29, convenient and generous way to pass along or $2 from the sale of every Big Mary sandwich dispose of a vehicle. Donate a Car accepts cars, nationwide went to the Mary Brown’s Fund in trucks, RVs, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles, support of Special Olympics Canada. old or new, running or not. Your vehicle will either The first Mary Brown’s stores launched be recycled or sold at auction, depending on your more than 40 years ago in St. John’s, vehicle and location. Donate a Car will then forward the net proceeds to SOBC, and we will send you a Newfoundland. In 2015 Mary Brown’s tax receipt. designated Special Olympics Canada as their Your donation will help support the life- national charity. One hundred per cent of the changing sport programs SOBC offers to more than net proceeds from their 2015 campaign were 4,400 people with intellectual disabilities around donated to SOC. the province. Big thanks to Mary Brown’s for their great SOBC – Kelowna athletes help raise To donate your vehicle, please visit donatecar.ca. support! awareness at Mary Brown’s.

36 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Volunteers from around the province inspired at SOBC staff Leadership Summit update 2015 has been a year of exciting changes On October 2 and 3, more than 100 Special for the Special Olympics BC staff! Olympics BC volunteers, athlete and youth We are delighted to have Charlotte leaders, and staff from across the province Taylor, Manager, Fund Development, gathered in the Lower Mainland for a staying with SOBC long-term. Courtenay weekend of inspiring speakers and networking Wood did not return from maternity opportunities at the 2015 SOBC Leadership leave in 2015, and we wish her all the Summit. very best. The summit, the first of its kind in five years, In January, our fond wishes went with gave community leaders from 50 Locals and Kristin Webster, Manager, Community Leadership Council members the chance to Development with Regions 7 & 8, as learn from expert speakers and each other, she moved on to another opportunity and bring new tools and ideas back to their in Vanderhoof. In February, we were Coach Deborah Carter and athlete Kellie communities or Regions. Topics included excited to welcome Charlene Flood as Robertson talking about Robertson’s health initiatives, branding, finance, Athlete Manager, Community Development, for incredible achievements in health, fitness, Leadership, the Performance Program, and sport performance with the help of our northern B.C. Regions. Charlene lives competition, youth programming, and risk functional testing and Club Fit. in Prince George and holds a diploma in management. Classroom and Community Support and “I thought the summit was very empowering athletes receive the best possible training,” a degree in Community Rehabilitation not only to me as a volunteer but to the Stewart said. “After attending the summit I and Disabilities from the University of athletes as well,” SOBC – Prince George Local have a renewed focus on making sure that the Calgary. Coordinator Alexandra Orser said. “It was great health and fitness portion of our programs are In September, two new Managers, to hear from all the speakers who had such expanded so the two can work hand in to Community Development, joined the a diverse background speak to what Special develop well-rounded athletes.” team: Reanne Holden for Region 2, Olympics is really about. As someone who has The event also included energizing sessions based out of Kelowna, and Sarah Wall just started out as a volunteer, it was really led by SOBC Board of Directors Member for Regions 3, 4, and 5, based out of the encouraging to meet different volunteers Michael Campbell who spoke on branding SOBC provincial office in Burnaby. from all over the province who are very and finance, and Jacques Thibault, a former Reanne was an awarding-winning passionate about what they do. I loved hearing national team coach and Olympic speed student athlete who coached and testimonials that Special Olympics isn’t just skater, spoke about elevating training and founded a Special Olympics program in about sports but a community and a way of life competition opportunities for athletes through Kitchener-Waterloo, , while she for our athletes.” the SOBC Performance Program. played varsity basketball at the University It was great to hear SOBC An animated talk about athlete leadership of Waterloo. Sarah completed a Bachelor from all the speakers Board of by Dave Lenox, President & CEO of Special of Arts Health Science and Kinesiology who had such a Directors Olympics Washington, made a big impression degree at Simon Fraser University, is diverse background Chair Ted on participants such as SOBC – Vernon Local certified as a NCCP Olympics Lifting Club speak to what Hirst opened Coordinator Cheryl Friesen. coach, and has worked with individuals Special Olympics is the summit “We are busy developing the coaching skills with a physical disabilities on exercise and really about with an of our coaches and volunteers, which is very stretching. inspiring important, and enhancing our programs and Exciting changes on the Programs SOBC – Prince George message encouraging more competitions, but reaching team also included Leslie Thornley Local Coordinator Alexandra Orser about the out to the athletes and having a discussion moving from Manager, Community vision and with them to see if we are on track to meet Development for Region 2 into the role direction of Special Olympics. SOBC – Langley their expectations is the key,” Friesen said. of Manager, Sport, focusing on coach athlete and Special Olympics International “In the near future, we plan to host an athlete and youth development, while Manager, Board Member Matthew Williams emceed meeting to have some round table discussions Sport, Shawn Fevens is now responsible the event, and legendary sports broadcaster and understand how they are feeling about for competition and sport development. Bernie Pascall hosted the SOBC Award how we are moving forward.” We bid a fond farewell to Cari Henri, presentations and Hall of Fame inductions. At the summit’s close, Athlete Leadership who has moved on to a great role SOBC – Langley Local Coordinator Shirley and Youth Activation Council summit with the WBSC XV Women’s World Stewart liked the Healthy Athletes component participants had a chance to discuss the Softball Championship after a decade of the summit, which included an enlightening weekend’s topics together, and decided of dedication with SOBC, and to Rachel talk from Viviene Temple, PhD, Professor in the branding and growth were the most critical Borer, who moved back east to new School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health issues for SOBC. opportunities closer to her family after Education at the University of Victoria. “It’s important to get more kids involved four years of passionate work with “Our Local is very lucky to have a strong in Active Start,” SOBC – Richmond athlete SOBC. team of volunteer coaches who ensure our Vincent Li said.

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 37 Special Olympics is changing the world Matthew Williams is a Special Olympics BC – Langley athlete and member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. On November 14, 2015, he gave a TEDxVancouver talk that elicited two standing ovations and many inspired responses from the audience of more than 3,200 people. Below is a condensed version of his speech. To watch the full talk, visit www.tedxvancouver.com.

My name is Matthew Williams, and I am a of many others, and it has changed champion. the way the world sees people with I have won medals in three different sports intellectual disabilities. at National Games in Canada, competed at the … I’m one of more than 4.5 million international level in basketball, and was proud Special Olympics athletes around the to represent Canada on the world stage. I train globe. Being Special Olympics athletes five times a week for basketball and speed restores our pride and dignity. skating, and work with top-quality coaches and Special Olympics also addresses mental performance consultants to be at my critical health needs among people best in my sport. By the way, that is all through with intellectual disabilities. point that people with intellectual disabilities Special Olympics. Does that change how you Studies have shown that on average, men are still invisible to far too many people, a think of me and my accomplishments? with intellectual disabilities die 13 years lot of people still use this as a casual term or The world doesn’t always see people like younger than men without, and women with an insult. It was tweeted more than 9 million me as champions. Not so long ago, people like intellectual disabilities die 20 years younger. times last year. But it is deeply hurtful to me me were shunned and hidden away. There has Special Olympics helps us become healthier and 4.5 million of my fellow athletes around been a lot of change since Special Olympics by getting active and participating in sports, the planet. People might not think they’re not began in 1968, but in too many cases, people and our coaches help teach us about nutrition using it as an insult, but it is. with intellectual disabilities are invisible to the and health. Special Olympics also provides As my fellow Special Olympics athlete and wider population. health screenings targeted for athletes who Global Messenger John Franklin Stephens People use the R-word in front of me and have difficulties communicating with their wrote in an open letter to a well-known they think it doesn’t matter. They’re not doctors or accessing health care. political pundit who used the R-word as an thinking about how much it hurts me and my At the World Games in LA this summer, my insult, “Come join us someday at Special friends. Team Canada teammates and I played against Olympics. See if you can walk away with your the Nigerian basketball team. The day before heart unchanged.” … Special Olympics transforms our game, the Nigerian team went to the Special Olympics teaches the world that the self-identity of athletes World Games Healthy Athletes screenings, and people with intellectual disabilities deserve with intellectual disabilities, seven of 10 members were given hearing aids respect and inclusion. Now I have dreams and and the perceptions of everyone for free, and that meant they could hear for achievements in my sports, great coaches, watching. This movement has the very first time. respect and dignity, better health, and I’m changed my life and those of The change in them was amazing. They were pursuing a career as a personal trainer. I’m no many others, and it has changed more confident, excited, and happy because longer hidden, bullied, and I am here doing the way the world sees people their coach could vocally communicate with a TED talk! The world is a different place with intellectual disabilities. them, and they were emotional because they because of Special Olympics. could hear the cheering fans, the dribbling of But there’s still farther to go. So the next I don’t want you to think I’m here because the basketball, and the whistle—sounds that time you meet someone with an intellectual I’m a charity case. I’m here because there are we take for granted. disability, I hope you’ll see their abilities. The still big problems with the way many people Special Olympics is transforming more next time someone uses the R-word near you, I see people with intellectual disabilities, or too than just the athlete in their sport—we’re hope you’ll tell them how much it hurts. I hope often, how they don’t see them at all. … transforming lives off the playing fields. you’ll think about getting involved with Special What do you think when you see someone This year, research was released showing Olympics. with an intellectual disability? I’m here today nearly half of adults in the United States Nelson Mandela said sports have the power because I want to challenge you to look at us say they don’t know a single person with to change the world. Special Olympics is as equals. an intellectual disability. And the 44% of changing the world by transforming 4.5 million Special Olympics transforms the self-identity Americans who don’t have personal contact athletes and giving us a place to be confident, of athletes with intellectual disabilities, and with intellectual disabilities are significantly not be judged, and get to feel like, and be, the perceptions of everyone watching. This less accepting and positive. champions. movement has changed my life and those And then there’s the R-word. Proving the

Matthew has developed his speaking and leadership skills with Special Olympics Athlete Leadership programs. Athletes interested in being involved in upcoming Athlete Leadership opportunities are invited to speak with their Local Coordinators to learn more.

38 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Strong performances by SOBC athletes at Western Canada Summer Games Deborah Carter Congratulations to the eight Special Olympics BC athletes who competed in the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games and did everyone proud! SOBC – Burnaby athletes April Armstrong and Daniel Batson and SOBC – Langley athletes Abigale Calvert and Michael Savage shone in athletics, and swimmers David Dunn of SOBC – Prince George, Paige Norton of SOBC – Abbotsford, Jesse Shade of SOBC – Campbell River, and Kayla Willms of SOBC – Coquitlam delivered strong races in the pool. Shade and Savage had standout performances, striking gold in all of their events. Shade swam to five gold medals in his 50- and 100-metre races, and Savage earned three in his sprint races and long jump. Shade was named Team BC flagbearer in recognition of his outstanding achievements and team Athletics coaches Tom Norton (far left) and Deborah Carter (far right) proud leadership. of their medal-winning athletes (left to right) Daniel Batson, April Armstrong, “Swim BC was very proud to have Jesse Abigale Calvert, and Michael Savage. represent all of Team BC at the closing ceremony as flag bearer for our province,” Team BC swimming head coach Mike Flegel Campbell River swimming Head Coach Dave said. “Jesse’s performance and leadership Sampson remembers when Shade first came with his team during the 2015 Western Canada to swimming and found it hard. Sampson said Summer Games should serve as an inspiration he could see that with training he had lots of to all.” potential as a swimmer, and through hard work Team BC reported: “Competing against and determination, Shade has realized that swimmers eight to 10 years his senior, Shade vision. demonstrated tremendous power in the pool Shade is also known for sense of his humour in Wood Buffalo. Shade is a Special Olympics and joking with the other athletes, and for his athlete, but his times are comparable to basketball skills. generic athletes, and he is among the fastest “Through being with Special Olympics, swimmers on Team BC.” he has gained confidence, athletic sports “Jesse is a very strong swimmer and a natural knowledge, and awareness of the dedication leader in and out of the pool,” says Shade’s and cooperation with other athletes and Team BC coach Brianna Kowalski. “He has the coaches that needs to happen to be a qualities in an athlete I can’t teach, dedication successful Special Olympics athlete,” Shade’s and commitment…and he has a great attitude.” mother Violet said. Each of Shade’s Western Canada Games Congrats to all eight awesome athletes, gold medals came with a personal-best and thanks to the terrific SOBC coaches who performance. helped them shine: athletics coaches Deborah SOBC – Campbell River swimming Head Carter and Tom Norton and aquatics coaches Coach Sandy Ott said Shade is a very Brianna Kowalski and Aaron Leontowich! Carter Kevin Bogetti-Smith – Team BC Bogetti-Smith – Team Kevin SOBC – Campbell River Jesse Shade carrying dedicated athlete who trains very hard and and Norton went straight from coaching Team the flag for Team BC in the 2015 Western keeps focused on his goals while being great Canada to heading north with the Team BC Canada Games Closing Ceremony. with his fellow athletes. Previous SOBC – athletes.

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Special Olympics BC Bulletin 39 Celebrity supporters champion Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an inspiring movement tournament, which is in its 27th year. of athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, “I said, ‘if you’re going to spend your sponsors, and celebrities coming together money the best bet is Special Olympics.’ Every with the common goal of improving the lives penny stays in the programs,” Meeker says. of people with intellectual disabilities and “We worked extremely hard every year. The inspiring everyone to open their hearts to a tournament brought in $400,000 in its first four wider world of human talents and potential. years.” When high-profile supporters stand up as Meeker’s wife Leah Meeker has also been champions of our athletes and movement, involved with Special Olympics since they it makes a difference. Special Olympics BC is married 16 years ago. fortunate to have many champions from the “His name has attracted a lot of people,” SOBC athletes challenging Vancouver world of professional Leah Meeker says. “He and I just Whitecaps FC fans to a shootout in the busy and amateur sports enjoy it thoroughly, and we enjoy plaza at the Whitecaps’ sold-out home opener. who give their time to the people involved. The athletes support our movement are very loving and it’s wonderful. In 2015, he chose to give his time to SOBC as and advocate our We are on a first name basis with emcee of the award and Hall of Fame induction athletes and cause. them. We get as much out of it as ceremony at the SOBC Leadership Summit, and They make a difference they do.” attended the Sports Celebrities Festival. by setting an example Howie Meeker first got involved The Vancouver Canucks generously for a more inclusive, with Special Olympics when Harry help SOBC with their significant full-team respectful world. “Red” Foster, the broadcasting participation in the annual Sports Celebrities Ever since SOBC and humanitarian legend who Festival in support of SOBC and the Canucks started more than founded Special Olympics in for Kids Fund. Their generosity towards Special three decades ago, Canada, asked him to help out Olympics continues year-round, as they provide NHL 1947 Rookie of the Year Howie celebrities have been on an advisory board for Special ticket donations so athletes and coaches get Meeker poses with 2015 SOBC – lending their support Olympics Canada. Meeker plans to to attend games, offer assistance from their Campbell River Rookie of the Year after getting hooked Joshua Brearley. stay involved in the Howie Meeker players and coaching staff for training and on the infectious Classic as long he can “walk 20 development events, and give SOBC access spirit and sportsmanship of Special Olympics feet to the hole.” to autographed memorabilia that creates key athletes. None is more dedicated than Howie Fellow broadcaster Bernie Pascall attended fundraising opportunities for SOBC provincially Meeker, winner of four Stanley Cups and a the first-ever Special Olympics Games in 1968 and at the local level. They never hesitate to Calder Trophy with the , at Soldier Field in Chicago, and said he has had support Special Olympics athletes by raising a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and an “an insatiable interest” in Special Olympics awareness in their online channels. inductee into the Order of Canada. ever since seeing the enthusiasm, energy, and Forward Chris Higgins has generously Meeker has been a staunch supporter determination of the athletes at that Games. stepped forward to champion Special of SOBC – Campbell River for nearly three Pascall, a Hall of Fame sports broadcaster, Olympics at fundraising events and awareness decades, giving his name and presence to the covered sports events in B.C. for 30 years, opportunities, sharing the impact Special Special Olympics Howie Meeker Classic golf lending his support to SOBC along the way. Olympics has had on his sister, a longtime athlete in New York, and his family. Higgins ran the Law Enforcement Torch Run Granville Kilometre again in 2015, and showed his support for motionball’s YELLOWCARD campaign to help end the derogatory use of the R-word. This year, Canucks staff jumped at the chance to work with SOBC athletes on their annual Live 2 Give day, where all staff spend a day volunteering with Lower Mainland charities. Eleven enthusiastic and encouraging Canucks staff members ran a functional testing session to help SOBC athletes track their fitness, strength, and progress. Vancouver Whitecaps FC put Special Olympics in the spotlight by choosing SOBC community match partner at the ’Caps sold- out season opener on March 7 at BC Place, providing an amazing opportunity to raise awareness around the Spread the Word to End Vancouver Canucks staff enjoyed volunteering with SOBC athletes on their annual Live 2 Give day. the Word day. SOBC had booths during ’Caps

40 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Celebrity supporters champion Special Olympics Clay Bussey Kickoff on Terry Fox Plaza, where athletes and Lulay served as Honorary Coach for the 2015 coaches ran a fun shootout with spectators SOBC Winter Games, where he walked into the and encouraged guests to pledge to eliminate Opening Ceremony with the Regional teams the R-word. At halftime, the SO Team Canada and encouraged the athletes with his speech soccer team took the field for a fun match and support. against SOBC – Abbotsford. In addition, many stars and sports The club also donates unique autographed organizations elsewhere in Vancouver and memorabilia for fundraising, raises awareness in communities around B.C. generously give in their web and social media channels, and their time and support to SOBC Locals. We gets their players and icons involved in Special are so grateful to these champions for raising Olympics events. awareness and support in their communities as The BC Lions Football Club is a long- well. BC Lions quarterback Travis Lulay (centre) standing supporter of Special Olympics and with Region 2 athletes at the 2015 Provincial their players are great champions who attend Provincial Champions: Games Opening Ceremony. events such as the Sports Celebrities Festival. Travis Lulay – BC Lions quarterback Many players and leaders have enthusiastically Adam Bighill – BC Lions linebacker Howie Meeker – hockey legend gotten further involved, like quarterback Travis Wally Buono – BC Lions General Manager Cathy Priestner Allinger – Olympic speed Lulay who gives significant support to Special Chris Higgins – Vancouver Canucks forward skating medallist Olympics by participating in events and raising Marco Iannuzzi – BC Lions receiver Angus Reid – retired BC Lions centre awareness about SOBC and our campaigns in Trevor Linden – Vancouver Canucks Carl Valentine – Whitecaps FC club his social media channels. President of Hockey Operations ambassador SOBC athletes, volunteers, and supporters honoured locally and nationally We’re very pleased to congratulate and • In November, Special Olympics Canada was nominated for the Kamloops Sports celebrate Special Olympics members and recognized 17 SO Team Canada 2015 Council Male Athlete of the Year Award. supporters who were recognized in 2015 with coaches with Petro-Canada Coaching • SOBC – Chilliwack volunteer Kathie awards for their significant contributions to Excellence Awards, and we’re pleased to MacDonald was honoured with a Chilliwack Special Olympics, sport, and community! congratulate SOBC recipients Dona Cade, Community Sport Hero Award to celebrate Deborah Carter, Lorena Mead, Aleila and thank her for the countless hours she • Heartfelt congratulations to SOBC – Miller, Tom Norton, and Ian Olive. has given to her Local. Abbotsford coach Tom Norton, deserving • Congratulations to Lorena Mead, longtime winner of Special Olympics Canada’s 2015 SOBC – Kelowna softball coach, winner of a Male Coach of the Year Award! Kelowna Capital News Community Leader • Two fantastic SOBC volunteers and one Award in the 2015 Coach category. athlete were honoured by the Sports • Sincere congratulations to Sylvia Taylor, Halls of Fame in their communities: Past SOBC – Nanaimo Local Coordinator and SOBC – Vernon fundraising volunteer member of the SOBC Hall of Fame, for John Topping was inducted into the winning the Michael Rhode Memorial Award Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame for his for her dedication to sport in the Nanaimo incredible impact on his community; SOBC community. – Mission volunteer Stuart Coates became • We are very pleased to celebrate Christina a member of the Mission Sports Hall of Hadley, SOBC Vice President, Fund Fame for his significant impact on soccer From left to right, Dr. Jonathan Weiss, Special Development & Communications, who in the community at large and with Special Olympics Canada Board Member, Senator Jim in 2015 marked 25 years as SOBC staff. Munson, and national Male Coach of the Year Olympics; and SOBC – Coquitlam athlete Thank you for all your remarkable work and Tom Norton of SOBC – Abbotsford. Mandy Manzardo won the Coquitlam Sports dedication to Special Olympics! Hall of Fame’s annual prize for athletes with disabilities. • Thanks and congratulations to SOBC – Congratulations to these deserving •  Bill Farley was a remarkable SOBC – Vernon Local Coordinator Cheryl Friesen, winners, and to all of the members of the Kelowna coach, volunteer, leader, mentor, who was celebrated with a Sport BC SOBC family who have been recognized in and friend who was recognized with a 2015 Community Sport Hero Award in December their own communities this year whom we Sport BC Community Sport Hero Award in in recognition of her dedicated and may have missed! We love to hear about and Kelowna just a few weeks after he sadly compassionate volunteer efforts. celebrate your achievements—please forward and unexpectedly passed away due to brain •  Congratulations to hardworking SOBC – stories to: [email protected]. cancer. Kamloops swimmer Dallas Gilchrist, who

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 41 as a coach, volunteer, SOBC Leadership Council update SOBC Leadership Council and parent. Readman’s whole family is involved Leadership Chair: Special Olympics BC’s Leadership Council – Victoria since 2011, as a Patty Wheeldon with Special Olympics, provides vital guidance for our organization dedicated and enthusiastic and we’re so glad she and movement, and we are so grateful for coach who has supported Regional Coordinators: too did not leave the Sheila Hawton (Region 1) their significant contributions. In 2015 we were several different sports over SOBC family – she Sheila Paynter (Region 2) thrilled to welcome new Regional Coordinators the years, and in an Executive took on the role of Donna Bilous (Region 3) Sheila Paynter of Region 2, Jean Tetarenko Committee role. Tetarenko Jean Tetarenko (Region 6) SOBC – Kitimat Local of Region 6, and Nicole Zacharias of Region served on two provincial Darren Inouye (Region 5) Coordinator. 7, while bidding a grateful farewell (of sorts!) teams, as a Team BC 2014 Nicole Zacharias (Region 7) We are very grateful to Sue Foisy, Tina Readman, and Barb Tull of athletics coach and Team BC Sandra Galletti (Region 8) that departing Region 4 Region 4. 2016 cross-country skiing Coordinator Tull also did Members: Paynter and Foisy traded places in Region 2, mission staff, and was a Deanna Eckstein not leave SOBC entirely, as Paynter was elected as Regional Coordinator diligent and passionate Chef James Sutherland as she is staying involved and Foisy as SOBC – Kelowna Local Coordinator. de Mission for the Region Matthew Williams with the sport that is Paynter brings great experience as a volunteer 6 team at the 2015 SOBC her passion, rhythmic with SOBC – Kelowna since 2009 and as a Winter Games. She also went gymnastics. Tull has mission staff member for the Region 2 team above and beyond by signing up to volunteer been involved with SOBC for 26 years and at the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer as a Delegate Liaison with the 2015 Special has been a remarkable source of leadership, Games and for Team BC at the Special Olympics Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. support, guidance, and compassion throughout Canada 2014 Summer Games. In Region 7, Zacharias stepped into the role her involvement. She is a great champion Foisy has been a wonderful voice on the of Regional Coordinator after serving a term of Special Olympics athletes, a hardworking Leadership Council in the last several years. as SOBC – Smithers Local Coordinator. She volunteer, and a valued visionary and friend. Foisy is a certified trainer for the Crisis has also given her time to SOBC – Smithers Comprised of the Regional Coordinators Prevention Institute and she initially joined as snowshoeing Head Coach and has served representing the eight SOBC Regions and SOBC as a track and field coach, quickly as an athletics and aquatics coach, so she respected leaders in the SOBC sport world, the moving on to support Region 2 as a mission brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to the council serves as the link between community staff member at the 2009 Provincial Games in Leadership Council. and regional programs and the Board of Abbotsford. Foisy also served as mission staff Readman has been a much-appreciated Directors of Special Olympics BC. This group for Team BC 2012 and led the Region 2 team at SOBC volunteer for 15 years, and she has been plays an important role in helping chart the the 2013 and 2015 Provincial Games. a valued voice on the Leadership Council with course of SOBC sport program development, Tetarenko has been volunteering with SOBC her experience in Region 7 and her perspective strategic plans, policies, and resources.

JYSK gives championship support Ridge Meadows in successful campaign

JYSK ran another successful “It went really well,” fundraiser this year as stores said JYSK Coquitlam Store across Canada stepped up for Manager Chelsea Tiney the 2015 Champions Start at of the 2015 fundraiser. Home campaign, raising $100,000 nationwide “Customers really enjoyed for Special Olympics throughout September. engaging with the athletes, Prince George B.C. customers had the chance to participate especially at the barbecue and in the campaign at nine JYSK stores across the bake sale. It was great having them there.” province. Tiney said the staff loved the campaign The Prince George JYSK store raised the and had a fun competition to see who could most money in the country for the third year raise the most funds or come up with the best in a row, winning the Highest Dollar Amount fundraising idea. A few staff took in bottles to title in recognition of their hard work. SOBC raise a little extra money. Kelowna – Prince George athletes Barbie Conway and “My favourite part was getting to interact Marinka VanHage baked goods and organized with athletes, just getting to meet them and national partner of Special Olympics since 2006 volunteers for bake sales, and athletes helped getting to know their story and what they like and our continued association with the very bag purchases and greet customers. The JYSK to do best,” Tiney said. “All the staff really liked worthwhile Champions Start at Home campaign. staff got into the action by donating baked that, meeting the people who we do this for.” JYSK Canada customers have a chance to goods and holding a fundraising barbecue with We are so grateful to JYSK and all the staff, make a difference in the lives of people with SOBC volunteers. customers, volunteers, and athletes who made intellectual disabilities in their community, The Coquitlam JYSK store staff continued the campaign such a success in the 11th year of simply by making a donation at the till at any their inspiring work after a big increase in JYSK supporting Special Olympics! one of our JYSK Canada locations,” said Lynne customer participation in 2014. “We are proud and honoured to be a Williams, JYSK Canada Director of Advertising.

42 Special Olympics BC Bulletin BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Law enforcement members carry the torch high for Special Olympics

Torch Run fever swept the province in June, and Special Olympics with law enforcement runners and Special athletes in each of the Olympics athletes taking to the streets in their communities we visited communities to raise funds and awareness for over the four days,” says BRITISH COLUMBIA Special Olympics BC. Staff Sergeant Joanne Constable Meagan Grainger of the Kamloops RCMP and SOBC – The 2015 BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Wild of the Vancouver Police Department, Kamloops athlete Brian Bourns at saw 700 LETR runners and 136 SOBC athletes organizer for the Lower Mainland Torch Run. the SOBC Winter Games. carrying the Flame of Hope across the Lower “Each year since I’ve been involved, the LETR Mainland and in Prince George, Victoria, has grown and my only wish is that it continues helped kick off the 2015 Special Olympics BC Cranbrook, and Nanaimo for Torch Run Month, to do so.” Winter Games in Kamloops with the BC Law spreading a message of respect and inclusion SOBC – Vancouver athlete Pat Johnson Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg. The run and raising more than $31,400. takes part in the Lower Mainland run year after finished at the Games Opening Ceremony, The Lower Mainland Torch Run ran through year. He said he likes running with team captain where Constable Meagan Grainger of the Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, Surrey, S/Sgt. Wild and the rest of the entourage, and Kamloops RCMP and SOBC – Kamloops Vancouver, North hearing people cheer from athlete Brian Bourns lit the Games cauldron Vancouver, West the sidelines. with the Flame of Hope to signal the start of Vancouver, Burnaby, We would like to thank competition. Port Moody, Coquitlam, all the organizers and From July 13 to 25, S/Sgt. Wild and BC Pitt Meadows, Maple participants across the LETR Provincial Director Rick Lucy had the Ridge, Mission, New province who made the honour of joining an international team of Westminster, Richmond, 2015 Torch Run such an law enforcement runners in the 2015 Special and Ladner. inspiring and successful Olympics World Summer Games LETR Final “We had great event. Leg, carrying the Flame of Hope throughout turnouts by law Staff Sergeant Joanne Wild (right) on On February 19, law California communities and into the World enforcement members the World Summer Games Final Leg. enforcement members Games Opening Ceremony.

Vancouver Cranbrook

Victoria North Vancouver

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 43 2015 LETR event recap Special Olympics BC would like to thank the the Badges hockey game in March to benefit Cause fundraiser, organized by Transit Police various agencies who organized events in 2015 SOBC. The two agencies came together with and the Burnaby RCMP also raised more than to raise funds and awareness. the Oak Bay Police Department and Central double than in its first year. The Delta Police Department hosted their Saanich Police Service in May to host a two-day The Abbotsford Police Department hosted successful annual 50/50 draw at a Vancouver Free the Fuzz roof sit at Uptown shopping their annual Challenge Run in June. Many Giants game right before the new year and centre in Victoria. community members came out to take part are looking forward to the 2016 event on In its second year, the Metro Vancouver and support this family-oriented event for March 11. Transit Police Golf Tournament raised more SOBC. The Victoria Police Department faced off than $17,000—more than double the 2014 We also thank the many agencies who held against the Saanich Police Department in front total—and organizers are excited to beat this raffles, hosted barbecues, and sold T-shirts this of packed stands for their annual Battle of number on May 19, 2016. The Cycle for a year to raise funds for SOBC.

Kicking off the Challenge Run. Burnaby RCMP, Transit Police, and Concord Security members at Cycle for a Cause.

SOBC – Coquitlam athletes Chris Sayers (far left) and Eric Bruneau (far right) Sergeant Pat Bryant, Constable Sheri Lucas, and Constable and volunteers at the Transit Police Golf Tournament. Lisa Bruschetta camped out for Free the Fuzz.

44 Special Olympics BC Bulletin All-new International Conference This year the Law Enforcement Torch Run million US in 2014 for Special Olympics Polar Plunge International Conference in the Bahamas programs worldwide. brought together more than 1,500 law In other exciting news, Rick Lucy, the enforcement members from agencies around BC LETR Director, was elected to the the world, including six BC LETR members. International Executive Council as the Region Participants had a chance to share ideas and XI (Canada) representative and coordinator. learn from other successful programs in Congratulations to Lucy for taking on this order to continue to grow the international new role within the larger LETR movement! movement. In 2016, the International Conference will In March 2016, Special Olympics BC in During the conference, participants be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from September partnership with the BC Law Enforcement learned the LETR raised more than $51 15 to 17. Torch Run will host Vancouver’s first annual Polar Plunge to raise funds and awareness for SOBC. Participants in the 2016 Polar Plunge for SOBC must raise a minimum of $75 to take part, which includes entry into the costume contest, eligibility for awards and prizes, and access to games, vendors, great food, and much more! To find out more or to register, visit plunge4specialolympics.com.

Thank you to the many agencies who supported Special Olympics BC in 2015: Abbotsford Police Department Burnaby RCMP Canadian Border Services Agency Central Saanich Police Service BC LETR Director Rick Lucy, Constable Sheri Lucas of the Oak Bay Police Department, Staff Sergeant Joanne Wild of the Vancouver Police Department, Constable Lisa Schlatter of CN Police the Cranbrook RCMP, Constable Troy Parsons of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and Comox Valley RCMP Staff Sergeant Debbie McLeod of the Delta Police Department at the LETR International Correctional Service of Canada Conference. Coquitlam RCMP Cranbrook RCMP Chilliwack RCMP BC LETR Executive 2015 BC LETR Regional Delta Police Department Justice Institute of British Columbia Council update Workshops Kamloops RCMP This year has brought exciting changes to the BC Earlier this year, the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Langley RCMP LETR Executive Council with two new members hosted a regional workshop in the Interior, where Merritt RCMP coming on board. The BC LETR is pleased to participants finished their day by taking part in the Metro Vancouver Transit Police welcome the newest Executive members, Assistant Final Leg into the 2015 Special Olympics BC Winter Mission RCMP Commissioner Dan Malo from the Lower Mainland Games in Kamloops. Nanaimo RCMP RCMP and Inspector Howard Chow from the In November, the LETR hosted a regional New Westminster Police Department Vancouver Police Department. Both A/Comm. Malo workshop in the Lower Mainland where members North Vancouver RCMP and Insp. Chow will be excellent resources for the from a range of agencies came together to share Oak Bay Police Department BC LETR and contribute greatly to the growth of the ideas about fundraising initiatives and events in Port Moody Police Department program in the Lower Mainland Region. their communities. The day finished with members Prince George RCMP We would also like to congratulate Rick Lucy hitting the bowling lanes with SOBC athletes. Princeton RCMP on his retirement this year from the Abbotsford Please check our website, www.specialolympics. Quesnel RCMP Police Department. We are very grateful Lucy has bc.ca/letr, for updates regarding other regional RCMP E-Division Headquarters continued his role as the Director of the BC LETR workshop announcements in 2016. RCMP Pacific Regional Training Centre into retirement. Richmond RCMP Ridge Meadows RCMP Saanich Police Department Draft an Athlete Surrey RCMP In 2015, BC Law Enforcement Torch Run members from across the province came together to support the Vancouver Police Department Team BC 2016 Training Squad by Drafting athletes to the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games to be Vernon RCMP held in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Agencies and LETR partners raised more than $83,000 to Victoria Police Department help 83 athletes experience the National Games. We are so grateful to our law enforcement partners who Police Department continue to support the athletes training hard to compete!

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 45 Athletes, community support inspire at 2015 SOBC Winter Games

The way Max Nelson sees it, Special Olympics athletes are superheroes. “When people say special needs, I don’t think of that, I think we have special powers,” the Special Olympics BC – Quesnel snowshoeing athlete said after a day of giving his all racing in the 2015 SOBC Winter Games. Nelson’s vision was echoed by the 2015 SOBC Games Organizing Committee, who wanted the 500-plus participating athletes to be recognized and celebrated as the superheroes they are. With superhero- themed Opening and Closing Ceremonies and an outstanding competitive experience throughout, the 2015 Provincial Games in SOBC – Surrey skater Laura Dale of SOBC – Nanaimo’s Michael and Kamloops and Sun Peaks gave the Special Stephanie Divin bringing SOBC – Terrace Arianna Phillips sail through their Olympics athletes the empowering experience beautiful expression to demonstrating her pairs routine. her routine. on-ice elegance. they deserve. Nelson earned silver, bronze, and fourth- the athletes were well prepared to make the they performed well and had fun. place finishes in his three Games individual most of this opportunity to show their abilities “It’s fun and it’s my first time here. I’m the races. He said competing in Provincial Games in a world-class sport hosting community. Many youngest,” Phillips said of Provincial Games. makes him feel “powerful.” won medals and achieved personal bests; all She likes competing, but had to power through In Kamloops and Sun Peaks, the 2015 SOBC competed hard and grew as individuals. some nerves to perform as well as she did. “I Winter Games competitors from around B.C. Then 12 years old, figure skater Arianna was nervous because it was my first time.” and the Yukon were at the top of their game in Phillips of SOBC – Nanaimo was the youngest Elsewhere in McArthur Island Sport and earning more than 350 medals in seven sports. athlete to compete in the Games. She won Event Centre, the great Kamloops venue for After training countless hours over the last two gold competing with her brother Michael in the the 2015 SOBC Games ice sports, SOBC – years to reach the Provincial Games, with the Level 1 pairs event, and skated to silver in her Kamloops curler Wayne Kulchyski said he had a support of their dedicated volunteer coaches, Level 3 freeskate event. Phillips said she felt good time in his hometown Games. Rick Jubinville George Wycherly SOBC – Penticton athlete Larry Cavenaile kicks SOBC – North Shore athlete Nancy Wilson’s up a spray in his snowshoeing race. smile lit up the cross-country skiing venue. Alex Mey Nick Strate Cross-country skiers Barb Conway, Tracy Rick Jubinville Melesko, and Chantal Chan savour their medal- SOBC – Smithers alpine skier Luke Smith Joy on the alpine skiing podium. winning moment. speeds down the slopes.

46 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Athletes, community support inspire at 2015 SOBC Winter Games

Kulchyski said he had “lots of fun and met Scott, SOBC Provincial Coach for alpine skiing. were ski nights for Dad, and he’d always go on lots of people. I enjoyed it.” A longtime SOBC – North Shore coach his trips—and finally getting to be part of it is SOBC – Prince George cross-country skier and veteran of numerous Special Olympics pretty special.” Rita Cavenaile said she had a “really, really Provincial, National, and World Games, Scott The 2015 SOBC Winter Games were good time” at the Games. She earned two had an another highlight to add at these an incredible experience thanks to the silver medals and a fourth-place finish in her Games: His daughter Devyn Scott was part outstanding performances by the athletes, individual races, and enjoyed the sunshine, of the Games too as a Region 2 alpine skiing the inspiring dedication of their volunteer fresh air, and “wonderful” snow in Sun Peaks coach. coaches and mission staff, and the remarkable and Kamloops. She also enjoyed meeting other “It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been really support shown by the Kamloops and Sun Peaks athletes. awesome,” Devyn Scott said of the 2015 SOBC volunteers and sponsors. “Everyone is so friendly!” Cavenaile said. Games. “Not a lot of sleep, but so much energy. “I think Kamloops was a great place to have “I always enjoy spending time with all the It’s been amazing to see all the athletes, all the the Games. There’s people that have hosted big athletes. The highlight of my year usually is fun they’re having, and the energy they bring events before and really understand the impact Provincial Games, or regionals, or National or to each other and their sportsmanship is pretty that Special Olympics can have on a community World Games. It’s so great to see them all excel, amazing. … [Special Olympics has] always been level, and I think they’ve really put a lot of and great to see their lives change,” said Randy a part of my life—growing up, Monday nights time and effort into making sure that we have the right facilities and accommodations so we could be at our best,” SOBC – Langley athlete Matthew Williams said. An accomplished speed skater and Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, Williams earned four gold medals at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre. “I just want to thank all the volunteers and the Games Organizing Committee from Kamloops that put these Games together, I enjoyed every minute of it.” “The volunteers were amazing. They made Megan Grittani-Livingston Proud curling bronze medallists from Bill Polz rejoices with the Region 6 Vipers. everyone feel special—they were OUT OF THIS SOBC – Quesnel. WORLD,” a Region 6 team member said. “We were thrilled to see the powerful way our Games athletes were welcomed and celebrated in Kamloops. They were treated like athletes, with outstanding competitive venues, enthusiastic and well-trained officials and volunteers, and media coverage,” SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe said. “And we heard a wonderful response from those who generously came out to volunteer and the sponsors who supported the Games. As much as these athletes were inspired by the Games, they inspired so many others.” “I would like to thank all of our wonderful Megan Grittani-Livingston Myles Clough High fives for SOBC – Delta floor hockey Cranbrook Stinger Bees hurrying hard. volunteers, sponsors and spectators. They have teammates. proven once again what an amazing community Kamloops is and that it truly is the Tournament Capital. Their support was tremendous and enabled us to host a Games experience that these athletes will remember for a lifetime,” 2015 SOBC Winter Games Chair Pat Davis said. Sincere thanks to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, family members, friends, and supporters who made the 2015 SOBC Games such a success, and to all the generous Games sponsors. More 2015 SOBC Winter Games info, results, and photos: specialolympics.bc.ca/2015-sobc- Megan Grittani-Livingston June Webb winter-games SOBC – Vancouver curler Kevin Khuu cheers a Thrilling floor hockey action in the shot by the Legion of Brooms. Kamloops-Trail clash. more photos on next page

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 47

Platinum Sponsors Megan Grittani-Livingston Megan SOBC – Victoria speed skater Mark Hamblett was all smiles after receiving his 2015 Provincial Games hardware.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors Krystal Griffin-Peterson Crowds of cheering volunteers welcomed the Regional teams into the Opening Ceremony. Bronze Sponsors

Media Sponsors Dave Snider Charging hard for the snowshoeing finish line. Draft an Athlete Donors Kevin Bieksa MDA Corporation Jason Bosa of Palladio Jewellers Jim O’Rourke Patrick and Carolyn Downey Ali Pejman Gunnar and Cathy Eggertson Blair Shier and Julie Bauman Ted and Patti Hirst Randy and Carol Smallwood Doug and Marie Holtby Cherald Tutt Pam and Moray Keith Dan and Suzanne Van Leeuwen Ron and Shelley Mayert Karen Vandongen

Friends of the Games Aqua Pure Premium Water Inc. St. John Ambulance Blackwell Dairy TELUS Kamloops Office Systems Walco Radio & Electronics Ltd.

Cheryl Schmidt Rivershore Chrysler Snowshoers ripping it up in the Sun Peaks sunshine. www.yamana.com Annual Report 2013 48 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Lacing up for Special Olympics with SVHM, GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon Congratulations and thanks to all the runners Fitness Victoria Marathon on October 11. The who supported Special Olympics BC by taking five runners who laced up in support of Special part in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half- Olympics were very successful on the course Marathon & 5k (SVHM) on June 28! These and off, raising more than $13,700 for SOBC fantastic and fleet-footed folks raised over and Locals. $7,800 for SOBC and Locals, more than double Runner Milton Carrasco is a longtime friend last year’s fundraising total! and client of the late John Sims, who was a Among the SVHM runners who supported distinguished Chartered Accountant, partner Special Olympics were SOBC athletes Cris at Manning Elliott Chartered Accountants, and Crowe, Stacey Kohler, Mandy Manzardo, Kellie 10-year member of SOBC’s Board of Directors. SOBC athletes Andrew Weale, Cris Crowe, Robertson, and Andrew Weale, SOBC – Burnaby Carrasco co-founded an SOBC endowment Stacey Kohler, and Mandy Manzardo celebrate after completing the Scotiabank Vancouver Executive Committee Member and coach fund in Sims’ honour to recognize his friend Half-Marathon & 5k. Peter De Marchi, SOBC – Kelowna Executive and mentor’s dedicated and thoughtful service Committee member and coach Greg Mather, to SOBC. Running his first-ever half-marathon Croll, Victoria coach Anne-Marie Sutherland, an SOBC – North Shore team, several SOBC in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, SOBC Region 6 Coordinator Jean Tetarenko, – Vancouver Executive Committee members Carrasco raised more than $6,000 for the and SOBC volunteer Rachel Maxcy all joined and coaches, and several members of the BC John M. Sims Fund. Carrasco was the top Carrasco in running and raising funds through Law Enforcement Torch Run. Fiona Burrows, fundraiser in the whole race, and his company the great Victoria event. one of the runners selected as an SVHM Digital Transoft Solutions Inc. generously matched his Big thanks to all the runners and donors Champion, joined them in supporting SOBC. impressive fundraising. Please turn to page 21 who supported Special Olympics, as well as the This year, for the first time, SOBC joined to read more about the John M. Sims Fund. volunteers and athletes who helped out at the the Charity Pledge Program in the GoodLife SOBC – Victoria Local Coordinator Joy Victoria event!

Knights of Columbus run sweet campaign for Special Olympics

Members of the Knights of Columbus do a great deal to assist people with intellectual disabilities, and one of their major initiatives in B.C. in 2014-15 was the Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities in support of Special Olympics BC. Throughout this campaign, the Knights distributed specially marked Tootsie Rolls in exchange for donations to support SOBC programs and help improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. The Knights also welcomed SOBC – Richmond athlete Ryan Stewart to speak about Special Olympics in front of the significant What a difference a day makes! On October gathering in the 104th BC & Yukon State 24, 2015, athletes at CrossFit North Okanagan, Council Meeting. Kelowna CrossFit, and Raincity Athletics The Knights of Columbus are a valued (pictured) joined teams across the country in Special Olympics International partner and we raising funds for Special Olympics with the appreciate their support here in B.C. CF24 challenge, performing a 10-minute high- intensity workout every hour on the hour for SOBC – Kelowna athlete Chris 24 consecutive hours. This year participants Harrington (pictured) joined the nationwide raised $150,000 net for the Special Kelowna CrossFit CF24 teams for Olympics Canada Foundation. their hourly workouts for seven hours!

Special Olympics BC Bulletin 49 Special Olympics BC Event Partners British Columbia

Special Olympics BC is very proud and fortunate to have sponsors. Without the support of these companies, as well as a host of others, Special Olympics BC would not be able to provide the quality sport programs we do. Please support those who support us!

THE Presenting Sponsor GOLDCORP INVITATIONAL

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50 Special Olympics BC Bulletin Special Olympics Canada National Partners Canada

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Special Olympics BC Bulletin 51 Special Olympics BC Provincial Partners British Columbia

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52 Special Olympics BC Bulletin