A group dedicated to giving people with intellectual disabilities a chance to compete in sports is seeking volunteers for its programs.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by a lot of our volunteers not being able to participate,” said Dan Vincent, local coordinator of Special Olympics BC - Powell River.
As a grassroots, volunteer-based organization, Special Olympics BC relies on the support and dedication of more than 2,900 volunteer coaches and administrators.
Vincent said there are a number of programs that require coaches and the organization is looking for board members as well.
“It’s a common misconception that the Special Olympics is an event. It’s not. We’re an organization.”
Athletes compete in regional competitions to qualify for the provincial Special Olympics games and then to the national level and international.
The organization is in need of two floor hockey coaches, one curling coach, one bowling coach and one golf coach. The golf program doesn’t start until April.
“The floor hockey program, we don’t have it up and running at all right now because we need at least one coach to get it up and going. The other programs are up and running, but do need some more help.”
Vincent said it would be nice if volunteers had a background in the sport they’re interested in coaching or just simply enjoy the sport and want to share their interest.
“It would probably be one evening a week,” he said. Coaches also have to travel once or twice a year for competitions. “That would be the minimum. You certainly could put more into it if you had the time and ambition.”
Powell River has about 60 Special Olympics athletes. “Our athletes have done exceptionally well over the years. I believe we have 17 athletes going to the summer provincial games coming up next year in Langley,” Vincent said. “That would be the largest number of athletes we’ve ever sent to the provincials.”
For more information about volunteering for Special Olympics readers can call Vincent at 604.483.3006 or email [email protected]. Readers can also check the organization’s website.
