2024 was 366 days of friendship, achievements and fun. 2025 is a year full of possibilities and positivity, especially in Special O.
The Sunshine Coast Orcas swim team closed out the 2024 season with a fun bit of competition alongside the Chinook Swim Team in an inclusion meet. Athletes swam their hearts out in such events as 25-metre backstroke, 50-metre breaststroke and 25-metre butterfly among others, ultimately proving it doesn’t matter what you do, just do it with a smile. Personal bests were achieved and everyone sat down afterwards with pizza and treats. Huge thanks go out to Ian, an official for starts, and Elsa, an official timekeeper and others who volunteered their time as well as coaches, family, parents and guardians. Thanks to coach Cathy and assistant coach Daryl from Orca swim team as well as coach Sarah from Chinook for pulling it all together.
More news from swimming, congratulations go to Lindsay Pearson, Amber Fenton, Hailey Borowski, Stephanie Rogers and Genny Verge who were selected to compete at the 2025 BC Summer Provincial Games! You are sure to work hard and make a splash. Orca Swim team head coach Cathy Verge will head this fabulous outfit as well as coach Gavin Weiner as a member of the medical team.
Lindsay, Amber, Stephanie, Hailey and Genny are no strangers to major competition. Amber and her team came home with first place in bocce at provincials, and Hailey and Lindsay recently came home with medals from the BC Games in Maple Ridge! Stephanie is a long-time medal winner including at World Games in the past. Genny conquered multiple competitions including worlds.
Lindsay Pearson is the kind of athlete to meet any challenge head on and give it her all. Hailey is both happy go lucky and ferocious in the face of competition. Both Amber Fenton and Stephanie Rogers bring a quiet confidence to their efforts that continue to produce excellent results. Genny Verge takes on any challenge with great enthusiasm and might.
The 2025 BC Summer Provincial Games are coming up July 10 to 13 in Prince George. Athletes from across B.C. will swim, bowl, run, dribble, play bocce, tee off, lift, do rhythmic gymnastics, kick a ball and run the bases at different venues across Prince George.
Folks can help contribute to the dreams of those attending, by showing generosity and donating to the cause. Visit https://sobc.crowdchange.ca/90680/donate.
Speaking of donating, fast approaching is the Polar Plunge. From Feb. 15 to March 2, athletes all around B.C. will get wet and chilly and fundraise for the organization we love. Waiting for word about how our Local will participate.
2025 will see the closing out of the winter season sports, swimming, curling and basketball over the next three months. Spring/summer is patiently waiting in the wings with soccer, bocce, track and field, golf and softball.
