More to Special Olympics than meets the eye

The Kamloops Blazers recently squared off with the Tournament Capital’s Special Olympians in ball hockey.

Submitted photo

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There are plenty of opportunities for intellectually-challenged athletes to compete in Kamloops.

“The biggest thing that we like to get across is that Special Olympics runs all year round,” said Robin Hans, program co-ordinator for the organization’s Kamloops branch.

“Lots of people think it’s a once-a-year thing.”

Kamloops will be home to the Special Olympics B.C. Winter Games in February 2015.

In the meantime, Hans is encouraging athletes across the River City to get active.

“We run sports most nights of the week — basketball, swimming, bowling. . .,” Hans said.

“And, in January, we’re starting a fundamentals program, for the younger athletes just starting out who haven’t really been introduced to group or sport activities.”

That program will be for athletes ages six to 12.

There will also likely be a cross-country skiing clinic, but dates and times have not yet been scheduled.

“We’re also looking for volunteers and we’re always looking for fundraising ideas,” Hans said.

For more information on Special Olympics in Kamloops, call Hans at 250-371-2779 or log on to sobckamloops.org.