Special Olympics BC (SOBC) Chilliwack has more than 80 athletes who participate, train and have fun in various sport and fitness programs throughout the year, including bowling, aquatics, basketball, bocce, club fit, floor hockey, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, and softball.
But there is always room for more, and the group will be taking registrations for the 2019 - 2020 year on Sunday, June 2 at the Lions Hall on Spadina, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is also their Annual General Meeting and annual barbecue, making it a good chance to see what SOBC is about, register as an athlete or volunteer.
SOBC provides high-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Athletes experience joy and acceptance, cultivate friendships and self-confidence and feel empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Dona Young, the local coordinator for SOBC Chilliwack says their “life-changing programs and competitions would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and donations.”
“They make a powerful statement of respect and inclusion for our athletes,” she adds. “We express our appreciation and gratefulness to the many local service organizations, businesses, and merchants who have donated to the success of our local programs.”
These include The Chilliwack Foundation, Sardis Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Atchelitz Women’s Institute, Chilliwack Armory Combined Mess, Staples, Safeway, Boston Pizza, RCMP, DHA Construction, Vedder Terrace, Kinkora Golf Course, The Cheam Mountain Golf Course, Chimo Golf, Fraser Valley Rhythmic Gymnastics, Athletic World, and many local businesses and individuals.
Volunteers and coaches make the programs possible, dedicating their time and resources, training and inspiring in their sport and in the community. Anyone interested in volunteering to coach, to assistant coach and to help in executive capacities (specifically for bowling coaches, as well as secretarial and equipment manager positions) is asked to contact the group for more information, through the SpecialOlympics Chilliwack Facebook page, or by emailing donajulseth@gmail.com.
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