Special Olympics looking to expand
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The Special Olympics B.C. (SOBC) is starting to put out a call to all citizens in the central part of the Columbia Valley in the hopes to start a new branch in the area.
With active branches in Golden, Kimberley and Cranbrook, Special Olympics B.C. is striving to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enhance their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences.
The group feels this could only happen with the support of volunteers who are willing to help out.
The group said there are many different types of volunteers within Special Olympics B.C.
On the frontline, coaches inspire and mentor athletes through sport and the group said that a person with no experience as a coach can still have the chance to be one. The group will provide training as long as you supply a positive attitude.
SOBC said the best part of volunteering is the remarkable feeling you get from helping others.
They are also looking for people who are willing to work behind the scenes. Volunteers are needed for non-sports roles such as helping with fundraising, sitting on the executive and acting as a secretary or treasurer.
Regional Field Manager, Leslie Thornley has recently been supporting communities throughout the Kootenays in their “start up phase” in order to see the organization grow and ensure these programs reach those that could benefit.
Golden started September 2008 and now offers; 5-pin bowling, bocce, cross-country skiing and swimming.
Nakusp started September 2009 and are offering; alpine skiing, bocce, figure skating, powerlifting and a general fitness program.
The Kimberley/Cranbrook section is a combined local that has been operating for 25 years and offer; alpine skiing, 5-pin bowling, softball, swimming and a new program called Active Start for 2 to 6-year-olds that is then followed by Fundamentals for 7 to 10-year-olds.
The goal for Invermere is to find five to eight interested people who will build the group into an accredited local.
According to the group, “The most important point is that we have ongoing sport programs in your community running on a weekly basis to help promote physical fitness in this target population. The bigger picture is that they will be a part of an organization that presently has 54 communities involved throughout B.C. with over 3,500 athletes and over 2,600 volunteers. Through competition some of these athletes will be able to travel regionally and provincially meeting new friends and widening their horizons.”
An information evening has been planned for Tuesday, October 20 at the Lions Hall.
Leslie Thornley will be in attendance with a short presentation and will be available to answer questions from attendees.
You can also check out the groups website www.specialolympics.bc.ca.
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