Local Sports posted Mar 7, 2024 @ 01:00pm by Corvin Vaski

BC athletes excel at Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Nearly 150 athletes from across BC are back home after competing at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary last week.

In total, 141 athletes, 50 coaches and 14 mission staff from 31 communities represented the province as SO Team BC at the event that saw more than 4,000 visitors.

<who> Photo Credit: SOBC

“The athletes gave it their all during competition, as they achieved many personal bests and podium finishes in their sports,” said SO Team BC 2024 Chef de Mission Michelle Cruickshank in a news release.

“To see all of their hard work pay off is truly amazing. This has been an unforgettable national games experience.”

The winter games were the culmination of months of work by athletes and volunteers, who had their eyes set on the podium.

<who> Photo Credit: SOBC

“To see the smile on their face once they finish the course and being so happy, or standing on the podium – they're so excited,” said alpine skiing coach Isabelle Schnurr.

“I think that's my satisfaction.”

For numerous athletes, this event served as a qualifier for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy.

Announcements about Team Canada and which BC athletes will represent the country on the international stage are expected at a future date.

<who> Photo Credit: SOBC