Michaela Samsonoff is one of three rhythmic gymnasts who will be competing in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in July

By Tommy Osborne

Special Olympics

Special Olympics rhythmic gymnastics event draws full house

Apr 25, 2025 | 5:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A Special Olympics rhythmic gymnastics demonstration was held at the AiMHi gym on Thursday night, and around 100 people attended to cheer on the gymnasts. The large audience was certainly appreciated by the athletes, as it’s not only fun to perform for so many, but also a valuable opportunity to practice performing for a large group.

“It’s especially important for the athletes that are competing to be able to perform in front of people, so it’s always great. And we had some new athletes this year, and they were quite apprehensive because it was their first time, but it’s all just a very relaxed situation,” said Special Olympics rhythmic gymnastics head coach Dee Neukomm.

“It was definitely a lot (of people), but it’s a lot of fun too,” said Special Olympics rhythmic gymnast Michaela Samsonoff.

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Among the many performing were Michaela Samsonoff, Darcie Muzychka, and Angela Hills, and this trio of athletes is preparing for the upcoming 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in July.

“It’s very important that they have an audience to perform for because when they go to competition, it’s judges, and they’ll be on the floor by themselves doing their routines,” Neukomm said.

The athletes themselves say performance opportunities like this are great not only to continue working on the physical act of the routine itself, but also the mental preparation.

“I think just staying positive and being around new friends and just being a team is really important, and we all get along with one another,” Samsonoff said.

“Just breathe, practice, relax, and just do it,” Muzychka added, when speaking on how she handles high pressure situations.

Beyond the practical benefits of a demonstration in front of a large audience, it’s also a really fun opportunity for many of the gymnasts to showcase what they’ve been working on.

“It’s generally quite a serious thing when we’re practicing, but when they get out in front of an audience, then they seem to just relax and enjoy it,” Neukomm said.

The fun of the event is certainly not lost on the athletes, and Muzychka says there is no shortage of things she’s looking forward to when the provincial games arrive in July.

“Friends, meeting new people, hearing all the different music,” she said.

The Special Olympics BC Summer Games will take place from July 10 to 12.

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