Athletes will be atop the podium during the Winter Special Olympics in Greater Vernon, Feb. 21 to 24.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED
February 12, 2019 - 3:10 PM
VERNON - The talent, skill and pride will be abundant in Vernon from Feb. 21 to 24 as the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games come to town.
Six-hundred athletes with intellectual disabilities from all over the province and the Yukon will compete in eight winter sports in Great Vernon. All events are free to attend, and no tickets are required.
Athletes will bring their best to all events including five-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing and speed skating.
“The 2019 Provincial Games will be the largest SOBC Winter Games to date, with a new sport joining the Special Olympics Canada winter sport competition cycle…5-pin bowling,” says SOBC President and CEO Dan Howe.
Athletes will be supported by more than 250 volunteer coaches and mission staff. More than 1,000 volunteers will be on hand to help stage and run the inspiring event.
“In Special Olympics BC Games, the competitors showcase their talents and the true power and joy of sport, and they open hearts and minds to the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, changing the way the world sees this population that is still too often forgotten or excluded. We know that Greater Vernon is home to outstanding venues and volunteers that will give our athletes the high-quality competitive experience they deserve,” says Howe.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED
For the athletes, being a part of Special Olympics provides inclusiveness, team work, friendship, travel opportunities, hard work and commitment.
For many, these Games offer their first opportunity to have the joy of travelling and being part of a team. The dedicated competitors will be shooting for personal-best performances, and they will also be chasing the opportunity to advance to national and international levels of competition.
Top performers in Greater Vernon can qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ont., which will be the qualifier for the 2021 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
iNFOnews.ca is proud to be a media sponsor of the games, and fans are encouraged to come and cheer on the athletes as they deliver their best. Check out the schedule at https://www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/2019-sobc-games-schedule.
News from © iNFOnews, 2019