Well, spring hath sprung and with it comes the spring/summer season of Special Olympics Sunshine Coast. This will take place while soaking up the sun, smiling in the rain and breathing the spring’s fresh air.
Athletes will be hitting homers at Hackett Park, starting April 8; getting grass in their cleats on the soccer field at Gibsons Elementary on April 14; teeing off on the green at Blue Ocean Golf Course April 9; running like the wind on the track at Elphinstone Secondary also April 9; and throwing the pallino in bocce at Elphinstone Lower field on April 12.
The year will also see the BC Summer Games taking place July 10 to 12 in Prince George. It will be the first time PG has hosted the games since 2017! As I mentioned in a previous article, several Orca swim team members will be there, competing in the pool where they will be sure to wow and amaze. In preparation, they have been continuing to hone their skills at meets such as the one in Coquitlam on March 16. As usual, everyone once more achieved at least a personal best.
Speaking of swimming and Special O, this year’s Polar Plunge raised $350,000 across B.C.! Quite the astounding achievement! This not only surpassed the fundraising goal for this year but also set a whole new record! Huge thank-yous to all the dippers and donors for making it possible. As with most things, venue rentals, equipment, uniforms and travel costs continue to rise. Your generosity makes it possible for athletes’ successes to continue to rise as well!
This month, Special Olympics here on the Coast will have a booth for the first time at the Sechelt Rotary Club Volunteer Fair on April 12 at the Sechelt Seniors Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Athletes and volunteers will be there, handing out flyers and discussing the benefits of being involved with SOSC. There will also be a brief visit during the day from our very own golf mascot, Aussie the pooch.
Special Olympics empowers athletes, giving purpose and a sense of pride. Volunteers are the lifeblood that helps create that empowerment, purpose and pride. This fair is a chance to meet and talk in person about the benefits of time spent giving back.
If you are a student, you may be able to complete your community service graduation requirement with meaningful activities. If you are someone looking to make connections in your community, you can make lasting friendships, learn new skills and experience the joy of being involved.
We hope that Special O could be the volunteer opportunity you have been looking for.
On April 12, drop by, say hi, pick up a flyer, fill out a form and consider a future with Special O. where athletes achieve their dreams and their smiles beam.
As the sun shines and the spring showers fall, all athletes will stay the course, do their best and most importantly, have fun!
