Deck the halls! It’s that time of year and some Special Olympics cheer!
David Thomas, a 15-year assistant coach with Sechelt basketball recently received a commemorative pin marking his dedication to the athletes and the sport. Randy Younghusband, local coordinator and assistant basketball coach, acknowledged David’s contributions and expressed the appreciation of both athletes and coaches alike.
From his decade and a half as a basketball and sometimes soccer coach, David has learned about the rewards of being involved in Special O: patience, camaraderie, seeing athletes improving under his tutelage and playing on a team just to have fun and run and play. Thank you, David for all your years of fun and smiles!
Dave Sandness, head coach for Special O curling for over a decade, has had a terrific time pushing his athletes lovingly and watching their skills improve. He and his helper John are both retiring at the end of this season. Dave remembers fondly when former head coach Bill Climie asked him to join and he has been with the team ever since.
As with both David and Dave, several of our coaches are well into their retirement years and their love of sports and the athletes keeps them coming back. But, there is serious need for fresh, young new volunteers to step up and help keep our curlers on the ice, players on the courts, runners on the track, putters on green and swimmers in the pool.
Luckily for us, a new volunteer for bocce has found us and we are looking forward to seeing him on the field. Welcome Reg Cran. If you too, are looking for a life-changing experience with great folks, contact Allyson Pearson at [email protected]
Remember, training is free!
As mentioned last month, SOBC held a two-day course for athlete reporters.
Six athletes from across B.C., including this reporter, learned how to conduct and submit video interviews related to Special O. Interviews with athletes, coaches, volunteers, family or friends generally discuss the many positive impacts that Special Olympics has had on their lives.
As a result of that training, we now have our own, local Instagram page where you can find my very first few interviews. Stay tuned for more over time. instagram.com/moswaldathletereporter. Access to the off-Coast reporters’ interviews can be found at specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/news/athletes-share-joy-sport-community-and-friendship-sobc
As we end 2023, what might 2024 and the rest of the fall/winter season hold? More good things for Special O I’m sure. Keep active and have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year.
