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By Duane Grandbois
BC Special Olympics Kicks off Thursday

BC Special Olympics Kicks off Thursday

Feb 18, 2019 | 9:15 AM

It’s almost time to welcome over 800 competitors, as well as their friends, family and fans alike to the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games.

The exciting Opening Ceremony happens at Kal Tire Place at 7:30 p.m this Thursday followed by competition throughout Friday and Saturday.

The event features more than 800 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all over the province and the Yukon competing with pride in eight sports.

Greater Vernon is already home to outstanding Special Olympics athletes, volunteers, and programs, as SOBC – Vernon runs 16 year-round sport, youth, and fitness programs, but this will be the first time that SOBC Provincial Games have been hosted here.

Other Matters

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
City council has given initial approvals for a proposed senior supportive housing development in Vernon's north end, despite some discussion involving parking at the property.A developer wants to build a five-storey, 126-unit supportive senior housing building at a vacant lot at 5,000 24th Street. The development would...
53m ago
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Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Okanagan sports heroes were celebrated at a special event in Vernon.On July 20, Sport BC recognized 18 volunteers in the Okanagan with 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards.The awards celebrated the individuals who make amateur sports possible in their community."Volunteers are the backbone of sport in British Columbia...
1h ago
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Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
A local organization has asked for aide in making sure seniors stay cool and safe during the summer.Some seniors in B.C. are eligible for provincial assistance accessing a portable air conditioner.However, to fill the gaps and ensure seniors who do not qualify for the provincial program, NexusBC runs its own operation ...
4h ago
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Low Levels
Low water levels impacting Okanagan Lake boat launches
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Election 2026
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6h ago
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Clearer Forecast
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6h ago
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Municipal election
Local media business leader to run for city council
Local businesswoman Nikki Csek is taking a run at Kelowna City Council in the October election.The founder and CEO of Csek Creative and NowMedia Group, said her campaign isn't the beginning of her service to Kelowna but simply the next way she hopes to serve.She's served on boards, chaired organizations, and volunteere...
23h ago
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Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
The province's fruit industry advocacy group has called for a halt in the current water management approach for local agricultural properties. As of July 13, Greater Vernon Water (GVW) was authorized to shut off water service to agricultural properties that had reached their seasonal water allocation limit.B.C. Fruit G...
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42-Unit Project
Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon
A new supportive housing project in Vernon will get some municipal support.At their meeting on Monday, July 20, Vernon City Council was asked to waive the Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for the project at the site of the former Polson Park Motel on 24th Avenue.City staff recommended waiving $125,518 in fees and coveri...
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What Matters

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
51m ago
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
1h ago
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
4h ago
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
6h ago
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
Jul 23, 2026