With sports programs coming to a close for the summer, many dedicated souls are on their way to Prince George for the 2025 provincial summer games! This is the first time the provincial games have been hosted in PG since 2017.
Our incredible Orca swim team members, Amber Fenton, Lindsay Pearson, Stephanie Rogers, Genny Verge and Hailey Borowski will be travelling with head coach Cathy Verge and medical support worker and local committee member Gavin Weiner. They will be amongst the 1,200 athletes and more than 400 volunteer coaches and mission staff, from across B.C. and Yukon who will swim, play bocce, basketball and golf, powerlift, hit the lanes for 10-pin bowling, dance in rhythmic gymnastics, run track and field, hit home runs in softball and score goals in soccer.
Speaking of soccer, Richard Hoath and his team had their last game of the season on June 23 at Gibsons Elementary lower field. Cpl. P. Atoui and detachment office co-worker S. Burns represented the RCMP. A younger spectator, caught up in the moment, became a last-minute addition to the team and proved to be quite the dynamo. Even some of the parents joined in the fun. The play was fast and furious with lots of laughs. Afterwards, everyone chowed down on some pizza.
Following the game, Special Olympics Sunshine Coast held its AGM at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre. Business was conducted; reports given and best of all longtime volunteers and coaches were recognized for their years of service. Gary Rogers, swim coach extraordinaire was awarded a 20-year pin; Robert Wotton, swimming, track and bocce volunteer; Randy Younghusband, local coordinator, curling and softball coach; Tania Finnigan, track and field coach; and Chuck Bertrand, golf coach, were all given 15-year pins. Chuck’s faithful sidekick and SOSC mascot, Aussie the Therapy Dog was also awarded a gift certificate to All For Pets and some homemade cookies from Sandy’s Bakery.
Last week, Special Olympics on the Coast was represented on Canada Day July 1 at Hackett Park. Helen Halet, public relations coordinator and her family hosted a table to spread awareness and encourage new volunteers and athletes to join our illustrious organization.
Here’s to fun in the sun, long lazy nights and making memories.