Welcome to my 12th article of 2024. This holiday season marked the resurgence of a long-standing Special O. tradition. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 100 Special Olympics athletes, their families, coaches and volunteers gathered together in Roberts Creek at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club for their first holiday event in five years. The food was scrumptious: turkey, veggies, gravy and salad and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all prepared by chef extraordinaire Chelseah. All the staff were kind and interacted with everyone sharing smiles and attention to detail. In addition to the pumpkin pie, a gorgeously decorated cake was supplied by IGA. Big thanks to our “Secret Santa” who paid for every athlete’s ticket to the event and even a complimentary fountain drink!
Thanks to the immensely talented Helene Johnston, our financial coordinator, eight new families to our Local, received poinsettias as gifts. She also provided all 45 athletes with a beautiful handmade gift bag containing a mandarin orange, a candy cane and a Special O cookie created by Nicole Berry with their own name written on the icing!
Randy Younghusband took on the role of emcee and ran with it, playing it smooth, with humour and levity that only enhanced the cheery energy. The atmosphere was happy and one could feel the warmth as folks, dressed to impress, mingled, chatted and shared news and holiday plans. Truly a wonderful return to our lovely custom.
As for the sports side of things, all programs will soon be winding up for the holidays, making a triumphant return in January 2025. There are possible plans in the wind for the curling team. Rumors of a new sport activity are circulating and the swim team has a possible fun meet to look forward to. And there is always a possibility that another Polar Plunge may be in the works. Whatever happens, athletes and coaches will be rip roaring ready! Happy Holidays to all my readers. I look forward to sharing more news about Special O in 2025!
