The hub of Northern B.C. will be buzzing with athletes, coaches and trainers in July, as the Special Olympics BC Summer Games comes to Prince George.
Hosted from July 10-12, the "exciting and empowering experience" for athletes with intellectual abilities will offer for many the first opportunity to experience the joy of travelling and being part of a team.
Âé¶čAV will be sending 53 athletes, coaches and volunteers:
- Athletes: Samantha Mayer, Peter Brousseau, Maria Schmitke, Ethan Sun, Daniel Rozek, Brennan Halverson, Alexei Gill, Sam Rennie, Rylan Ferrier, Owen Arnason, Gurshan Punia, Dani Kilback, Taryn Pomeroy, Simone Mintram, Joanna Morris, Tony Wilkinson, Kassidy Rutledge, Ryan Courtemanche, Garrett Baydala, Nicholas Sekella, Kyle Grummett, Kenzie Valcourt, Joss Gamache, Chris Harrington, Caleb Erickson, Braeden Powley, Aaron Dixon, Todd DeVries, Taylor Bennett, Tammy Kasper, Roy Stephens, Jonathan Dorosh, Jerry Bulatovich, Glen McIntyre, Danniel Sperling, Andrew McIntyre, Christine Greer.
- Coaches: Ellen Bennett, Karen Bernath, Derek Powley, Kevin Yamaoka, David Wilkinson, Leo Rutledge, Shannon Haynes, Marni Yamaoka, Debbie Dachwitz, Jessica Courtney, Bev Mazuren, Marilyn Sun, Paola Wilkinson.
- Volunteers: Ben Whiles, Jamie Carpenter, Roy Schatz.
Nearly 900 athletes will be competing in 10 sports over three days, including bowling, basketball, soccer, and swimming.
Excitement is high as these are Special Olympics BCâs first Provincial Summer Games in eight years. The 2021 event was cancelled by the pandemic.
The 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games were held in Kamloops and Vernon hosted the 2019 winter edition.
Top performers from Prince George competition will qualify for spots on Team BC for the national event hosted in Medicine Hat, Alta in 2026.
âThe Special Olympics BC Summer Games are an inspiring display of the human spirit and the power of sport,â said Premier David Eby. âThese incredible athletes embody the true meaning of sport through their relentless commitment, support for one another and pure joy in pursuit of their personal best. Our government is proud to support Special Olympics BC and wishes all the athletes great success. Our entire province is cheering you on!â
Results can be found on the Special Olympics .
