Diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of Special Olympics. There are some workshops that can help coaches and volunteers guide athletes to bring both of these to the forefront of their performance.
On Jan. 25, SOBC held one of two workshops: development series about MovINg INclusion, facilitated by INclusion INcorporated, focused on what inclusion really means and how to build on understanding. Leanne Kelly, community development coordinator for the Okanagan spoke on the meaning of equity vs equality, also how people can show inclusive behaviour in everyday life.
Our very own registration coordinator Allyson Pearson also attended and relayed these quality points, “We discussed that we still have some issues to deal with when it comes to inclusion. What is a disability, what about colour, immigration etc. Canada is doing fairly well, however we still have a ways to go to have total inclusion. We looked at a lot of statistics. The workshop was put on by INclusion INcorporated. Andrea Carey, MEd, CCIP was the facilitator. The next workshop they will present Feb. 23 will be Why are Pronouns Important?”
The weekend of Jan. 28 to 30, Tim Hortons celebrated its annual Choose To Include Fundraiser for Special Olympics. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from this $1.69 delicacy went towards Special Olympics to help cover travel costs to competitions such as qualifiers.
Speaking for myself, I think this year’s doughnut was perhaps the best one yet!
Athletes take part in Special Olympics for many reasons: friendship, fun and staying active. Some even aspire to become leaders. To facilitate this, an athlete leadership summit is being offered on Feb. 26 in Richmond. Until recently, most workshops and other events were offered only virtually but in the spirit of equality, since some athletes do not have access to computers, this one will happen in person. Athletes from the Lower Mainland can choose to become certified as an athlete speaker, athlete committee member, or to participate in the Bullying in Sport course. Local superstar athlete Genny Verge will be attending Athlete Speaker Level One!
Well-trained athletes require well-trained coaches and no sports program would be complete without a coach. SOBC is hosting virtual NCCP Introduction to competition workshops. This will help current and future coaches gain the necessary knowledge and leadership skills to best assist their athletes. Courses are offered virtually, two at a time every six weeks. The next set of programs will take place in March. Please register early, as many participants are already waitlisted. https://forms.gle/QTFLQ7X4GNNVhvd19
For dates and more information please contact Lois McNary at: [email protected].
We are taking slow, deliberate steps to return to sports. Slow and steady wins the race.
