Local athletes prepare for 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games

“It’s a chance to show all of B.C. that Prince George is here, that we have the facilities to do tournaments, we have facilities to do whatever we need to do, and maybe bring a little interest to our town,” Spokes continued.

Spokes has been competing in Special Olympics events for more than a decade, travelling all across the province and country to compete in a wide variety of sports. Even though he’s been involved for that long, he says he was a relatively late starter compared to some other Special Olympics athletes and hopes that having the Summer Games in Prince George can bring more exposure.

“I wish I could have joined sooner, but I didn’t know about it. So I see it as a way of, maybe by being outspoken, I can encourage younger athletes who never even considered Special O (Special Olympics) as an option to start when they’re in high school, start in their 20s,” he said.

Special Olympics is more than just these big provincial events, it’s a program that runs every week giving people with intellectual disabilities a chance to get involved in a wide variety of sports. The athletes and volunteers involved say it’s an incredible experience to be a part of, with one local program coordinator calling it one of the most rewarding things in his life.

“It’s great to see the athletes coming together as a team, it’s great to see the athletes’ skill level improve year after year. My son is a Special Olympics athlete, and he uses a push stick to help him curl because he can’t bend down and get into the hack. When he first started, he couldn’t get it to the hog line, but now he’s drawing within 23 centimetres to the button consistently,” said Peter Goudal, a Special Olympics Coach in many sports and the Special Olympics Local Program Coordinator.

For Goudal and so many others involved, Special Olympics is about far more than just the sports itself, it’s about connecting with other athletes and families and building community.

“My son’s biggest resource growing up was school. He was in school every day. He made friends, he gained skills, he became smarter, but once school ends, what is there? Special Olympics is there for all athletes, all potential athletes, all parents. For parents, it’s a great opportunity to meet other parents and know exactly what you’re going through, because we’ve been there and we have ideas and suggestions for you, and wraparound for a whole community support. So Special Olympics is much bigger than just an athlete going to the games, it is like a family,” Goudal said.

With that being said, the sports itself are also a huge part of the upcoming Special Olympics Games, as the Summer Games could lead to more opportunities down the road.

“The athletes that compete here are working to earn a place in the national games, and they may go on actually to represent Canada in the national Games, so it’s really important from a sporting perspective. But it’s also important when we talk about inclusion and making sure that people with intellectual disabilities are seen for their abilities. And I can tell you: it is inspiring,” said Shirley Bond, Public Relations Director for the 2025 BC Summer Games.

“We know that Prince George will step up and do an amazing job of volunteering, making our athletes feel welcome, and most importantly, giving them the type of venue and opportunity so that they can do their absolute best. They love to compete, it’s going to be exciting to watch,” Bond continued.

1000 volunteers are needed for the event, and if you would like to learn more you can visit Special Olympic BC’s website here.

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by Tommy Osborne

Local athletes prepare for 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games

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