On May 26, in Kinsmen Hall at Dougall Park in Gibsons, our incredible local, Special Olympics British Columbia Sunshine Coast celebrated 30 years of friendship, sports and fun. Huge thanks to Shawn Boyd for opening the hall to keep us all dry during a significant rainfall.
The event was attended by more than 65 people, some of who travelled from off Coast to share in the good times. Laurie Miller, aka Ms. Soccer and one of the first coaches in soccer and basketball, arrived from Nanaimo and met up with her old teammate Samantha Giampa. Marie Telder, former Orca swim team coach and executive member, came from Port Alberni, to the delight of her former swimmers. Relatives of Peter Twohig, athlete, came to honour his memory. Former athlete Michael Horth arrived from across the water with his mother Debbie who was also a former executive member. Paul Lith, the organizer for our Gala of Stars in 2011, attended with his son Derek and wife Rosemary. It was also great to see David Thomas and Dave Sandness, both retired coaches who dropped by to help ring in the celebration.
Local coordinator Randy Younghusband, with assistance from athletes Genny Verge and Micheal Oswald, welcomed everyone and spoke about what Special Olympics means to them. The trio also presented long-time volunteers with service pins to commemorate their years of dedication.
Five, 10, 15 and 20 year pins were awarded to 12 members. Pat Stuart and Sandi Cavalier who have worn many hats over the years both received 20-year pins.
Many athletes were also acknowledged for their dedication to sport with special note made about Amanda Boghean and Theresa Bystead for their three decades with S.O.
An awesome slideshow featuring many fabulous memories ran continuously throughout the event. New posters celebrating Special O on the Coast were added to our growing collection and all in attendance enjoyed new photo albums as they reminisced and socialized.
The barbecue prepared by Gibsons Fire Department members Phil and Laura, provided yummy hot dogs and burgers. Dessert was a delicious half chocolate, half vanilla cake donated by Claytons Heritage Market.
Thanks to Allyson Pearson, Pat Stuart and Helene Johnston who arranged for food, invitations and overall organization. Thanks to Randy Younghusband for all the amazing technical support and acting as MC.
Thanks to Denise Brooks and Helen Halet for helping to showcase our athletes, coaches and volunteers both past and present with posters and photos.
Thanks also to Helene Johnston for preparing indoor mini putt golf, that sure was a hit. Gavyn Weiner showed gusto and lots of energy while setting up the Kinsmen Hall and dismantling it after the party. Key parents and volunteers were also on hand to help in countless ways.
Finally, our gratitude to SuperValu for the grant they awarded to our Local to help fund this event.
All in all, it was fun, full of memories and friends.
Can’t wait for the big 4-0.
