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Locals to represent community with pride at Winter Games
Kimberley/Cranbrook will be well represented at the 2023 Special Olympics BC (SOBC) Winter Games.
Erin Thom, Cranbrook – Alpine skiing;
Jesse Jensen, Cranbrook – Alpine skiing;
Kendal Salanski, Cranbrook – Alpine skiing;
Neil Rye, Kimberley, Alpine skiing;
Daryl Mayer, Cranbrook – Cross country skiing;
Jessica Klassen, Cranbrook – Cross country skiing;
Layne Benoit, Cranbrook – Cross country skiing.
Coming to Kamloops February 2 to 4, these will be Special Olympics BC’s first Provincial Games in four years, and a powerful opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to step into the spotlight, reconnect with friends, and be celebrated for their abilities.
The 2023 Special Olympics BC Games athletes will give their all in the eight SOBC winter sports: five-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.
Athletes earned their spots in these Provincial Games through their performances in Regional Qualifiers held from January to May 2022. They are currently training hard in the year-round Special Olympics programs in their communities, getting ready to pursue personal bests in Kamloops and compete for the chance to qualify for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.
“The 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games will be an incredible opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to show their skills, compete with pride, and develop meaningful friendships,” said SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe. “We are so grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and supporters who are helping athletes achieve their dreams.”
Members of the public can make a difference for deserving Special Olympics BC athletes by getting involved in rewarding roles in the year-round Special Olympics programs in their communities, and by donating to help make the empowering SOBC Games experience possible.
Supporters can find 2023 SOBC Winter Games stories, photos, and more at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca
Up next
February 3 to 5: Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut
Tim Hortons is bringing back their treat that changes lives and builds inclusion. When supporters buy this delicious donut, 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to local Special Olympics community programs, supporting more than 41,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Canada.
February 18 to March 5: Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC
Participants can #Plunge4SOBC at in-person events or get cold and creative at home! Presented in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOBC, this frigid and fun event raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics BC. Learn more and register at www.plunge4specialolympics.com
Set to be held in Kamloops from February 2 to 4, the 2023 SOBC Winter Games will star approximately 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing with pride in the eight SOBC winter sports: 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating. The participating athletes will be supported by approximately 150 volunteer coaches and mission staff. SOBC will need the support of approximately 800 valued local volunteers to put on this empowering competition. Find registration opportunities and full details at www.sobcgameskamloops.ca
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport. In 55 communities around the province, we provide year-round training and competitive opportunities in 18 different sports to more than 5,200 athletes of all ages and a wide range of abilities, thanks to the dedicated efforts of over 4,300 volunteers. For more information, please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca and find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Flickr @specialolympicsbc and Twitter @sobcsociety.
Our Local has been in operation for more than three decades! We currently offer alpine skiing, cross country, basketball, swimming, bocce, golf, track and field and Fit Club, as well as FUNdamentals for young athletes and Fit, Family, and Friends. We always accept new volunteers and athletes into our programs.
For more information, please visit HERE and find us on Facebook and Instagram @sobckimberleycranbrook.
Find 2023 SOBC Games team rosters
Lead image: (L to R) Jessica Klassen, Daryl Mayer and Layne Benoit with head coach Kevin Phillips from the SOBC – Kimberley / Cranbrook cross-country team who will be competing at the 2023 Provincial Games. Photos submitted
Special Olympics BC – Kimberley/Cranbrook
