On Saturday, June 9, Special Olympics Sunshine Coast held their volunteer appreciation banquet.
The evening opened with a welcome from local coordinator Pat Stuart, who then handed off the microphone to Rachel Borer from head office. Borer recognized the contributions made by all the coaches and volunteers and talked about the efforts made by everyone to put on an event such as the Provincial Games. More than 1,100 athletes and 1,000 volunteers will be in Langley from July 11 to 14.
The Sunshine Coast provincial team of athletes and coaches who will be at the Games include: Theresa Presley, Tracy Schoular,Lindsay Pearson, Wes Harrison, Christel Jensen, Micheal Oswald, Marilyn Adams, Gary Rogers, Margaret Casey, Marie Telder and Chuck Bertrand.If you wish to become a fan of the Summer Games, contact: [email protected].
Before dinner, the audience listened to original poetry written by Oswald for the banquet to honour coaches and volunteers.
After a wonderful dinner, Christel made her first speech as the new athlete speaker.This was followed by a performance of a beautiful, new ball routine by the rhythmic gymnastics team led by coach Casey and assisted by Jessica Davey.
This year has been a wonderful year for Special Olympics on the Sunshine Coast with seven new athletes and 16 new volunteers. Several other volunteers and coaches who have so graciously given their time to SOSC were awarded their five-year pins. They, along with all the other volunteers, were honoured for their contributions.
Next a wonderful set of slideshows were presented by the Bertrands, showcasing coaches and volunteers along with the athletes.
Finally, it was dance time. Music put together by Margret and Adam Casey played danceable tunes for everyone until it was time to give hugs and say goodbye for the night.
