Nights are cool. Special O is cooler! By now all programs are under way, swimming, curling and basketball in Gibsons and Sechelt. Practices have been going well and athletes and coaches are happy to once again be engaged in the art of sport.
Marilyn Downey, a coach for Sechelt basketball, reports that her team has welcomed three new athletes. Practices have been excellent and everyone looks forward to the scrimmages in the last 30 minutes. She and her athletes are hoping to organize a friendly game of hoops with Gibsons.
Darryl Lowey, long time assistant coach for swimming, recently received his 10-year coach’s pin. Darryl is always there with a smile and an anecdote and always makes you feel like one of the gang. Thank you, Darryl for all you do!
Dave Diether, beloved volunteer with Gibsons basketball and softball, and Dave Thomas assistant coach with Sechelt basketball for 15 years are retiring. Both have dedicated many years of their time and effort to help athletes enjoy each practice. Congrats to Dave Thomas as he is receiving his 15-year pin. We salute you gentlemen and wish you the best of luck in future endeavours!
As always, we are looking for fresh participants to aid our athletes in their programs so whether you want to take a coaching role, volunteer or executive placement we welcome you all! Please contact Allyson Pearson at [email protected] to find out more.
The training is free!
On a personal note, reference to the October 2023 Spotlight on Special Olympics article has appeared in the Special Olympics B.C. Provincial Newsletter! In addition to highlighting excerpts from the piece, it included the direct link to the Coast Reporter site for people to read it in its entirety. It truly means the world to see our local efforts given spotlight!
It may interest you to know that the title of Athlete Reporter is not exclusive to just our local on the Sunshine Coast. In fact it’s growing all across B.C.! This fall a course is being offered to athletes wishing to become new reporters or for those who wish to hone their skills in story telling, tech smarts and social media to become the next Lois Lane or Peter Parker. Athletes who are interested need to visit specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/events/sun-10292023-1830/sobc-virtual-athlete-reporter-training-2023 to register and learn more.
The New Year in 2024 is going to be huge. It will mark 30 years as a functioning Local.
Celebration plans have not been announced yet but stay tuned to learn more!
