With the approach of fall, a new season of Special Olympics is once again under way.
Nearly 40 athletes will have completed their registration for the 2024/25 season by the middle of the month. Most of them gathered in person at the Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living office on Mermaid in Sechelt on Sept. 26. The room was abuzz with folks socializing, signing up for their preferred sports and munching on some ‘za. Athletes and coaches are looking forward to this season’s offerings of basketball, curling and swimming whilst waiting for the spring and summer sports of golf, soccer, bocce, track and field and softball.
Joshua Stanley, an athlete with SOSC for six years, got involved after playing Challenger baseball and wanting to take part in more activities. Joshua’s sports of choice are basketball and soccer. He enjoys “hanging out with my friends and playing my favourite sports.” I couldn’t agree more J!
Kyle Vanderheide has been with Special O “for a long time” His sports of choice? Bocce, basketball, softball, soccer and curling. Kyle also expressed interest “in becoming more involved.” I wonder if he is looking at athlete leadership.
Kaiden August, who joined Special Olympics three years ago, is a swimmer who has also signed up to become a Sunshine Coast Raven softball player. He’s eager to try his hand at softball while continuing on as a member of the Sunshine Coast Orca swim team. Kaiden appreciates the inclusiveness of Special Olympics. We appreciate you Kaiden!
New athletes are always welcomed and this year is no different. Destin and his dad Alex chatted about Destin joining SOSC. After Challenger softball, Destin has decided to join the Orca swim team and though he isn’t sure what his favourite stroke is yet, I’m sure Coach Cathy will help him find it.
Our local was fortunate enough to have an important visitor to our registration event. Returning provincial office, community development coordinator Chelsea Tambellini is back from a year’s leave and we are very happy to be working with her again. Chelsea enjoys the infectious positivity and skills shown by athletes in all levels of practice and competition.
She told us about a new sport that will be taking the place of floor hockey aptly named floor ball using wiffle balls and sticks. Floor ball involves less contact and fewer players are on the court at a time. Colour us intrigued!
She also reminded us that Summer Games for Region 5 will take place in July in Prince George. Many of our athletes will exercise their true grit and determination this year to qualify.
Our local committee planned and carried out some information displays at our local malls using photos, articles and pamphlets to spread the message of SOSC. It was fun to meet and talk with people in the community and to see the interest shown by so many. We even found a couple of potential new volunteers.
The generosity of our community comes in many forms –– volunteer time, effort and financial. All of these contributions ensure the continuation of not only the programs Special Olympics offers but also the happiness and success of all of our athletes. On that note, a huge thank you goes out to a true friend and benefactor “and his good dog” for his recent and ongoing donations of all kinds. You do so much to keep us smiling.
A new season plus new goals equals more fun and more success!
AND WE’RE MORE THAN READY!
