February 2 to 4: Time Hortons hosting Special Olympics Donut fundraiser

From February 27 to March 2, Special Olympics BC’s largest-ever provincial winter team will pursue personal bests at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024.

Comprised of 142 athletes, 50 coaches, and 14 mission staff from 31 communities across the province, Special Olympics Team BC 2024 is poised to shine on the national stage and showcase their abilities. Included on the team are nine local from Cranbrook, Jaffray, Creston and Golden.

They will be competing in eight sports in Calgary, Alberta: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

Since qualifying for their spots on SO Team BC 2024 through their performances at the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kamloops, the provincial team athletes, coaches, and mission staff have been hard at work to be at their best at the National Games, training at least three times a week for the last nine months. Training has included sport-specific work in their local Special Olympics programs, participating in Club Fit, additional fitness and dryland training, working with sport-specific experts, and focusing on diet and nutrition.

“The energy and excitement of this 2024 provincial team is undeniable. It’s been a long-anticipated wait for our athletes to be returning to competition at the national level. I am so proud of the commitment and hard work shown by all of these inspiring athletes, coaches, and volunteers,” said Michelle Cruickshank, Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Chef de Mission. “Through all of the adversity we have faced during and coming out of the pandemic, I know that they will do B.C. proud at National Games. Their competitive spirit and sportsmanship will drive their success and inspire everyone watching.”

The Special Olympics Games cycle operates on a four-year cycle for both summer and winter sports. Athletes compete in regional events and then Provincial Games to advance to National Games, and Special Olympics Canada Games are the qualifiers for international Special Olympics competition. Through these competitions and training, Special Olympics athletes empower themselves and open hearts and minds as they set and achieve goals, build pride and confidence, and forge valued friendships.

The 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will see over 4,000 visitors from Canada’s 10 provinces and two of three territories gather in Calgary, creating inspiring experiences of competition and friendship in eight sports.

Special Olympics Team BC 2024 fast facts:

• 142 athletes with intellectual disabilities
• 50 volunteer coaches
• 14 mission staff
• More than 31 B.C. communities represented
• 8 sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, speed skating
• 14: age of youngest SO Team BC athlete
• 78: age of oldest SO Team BC athlete.

February 2 to 4: Time Hortons Special Olympics Donut

Tim Hortons is bringing back their treat that changes lives and builds inclusion. When supporters buy this delicious donut, 100% of the proceeds go directly to local Special Olympics community programs, supporting more than 41,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Canada.

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