Image courtesy of Special Olympics B.C.

By Liam Verster

B.C. Special Olympics

20 Vernon locals attending B.C. Special Olympics Summer Games

Jul 9, 2025 | 12:05 PM

Almost two dozen Vernon residents will be taking part in the 2025 B.C. Special Olympics Summer Games.

Special Olympics says 20 Vernonites will be participating in the games in some capacity, 11 of whom will be competing.

• Heather Jolliffe – Bocce
• Devin Werstuik – Golf
• Aleese Watkins – Swimming
• Ava Johnson – Swimming
• Christina Perkins – Swimming
• Darren Fisher – Swimming
• Justin Rasmussen – Swimming
• Danielle Pechet – Track and Field
• Eric Westley – Track and Field
• Mary Adamson – Track and Field
• Steven Schwebbach – Track and Field

The other nine local residents involved in the games will serve as coaches and staff.

• Marc Fisher – Head Coach, Swimming
• Kevin Browne – Assistant Coach, Swimming

  Madison Watkins – Assistant Coach, Swimming

  Michelle Wenicke – Assistant Coach, Swimming

• Nadine Rose – Assistant Coach, 10-Pin Bowling
• Debbie Heale – Assistant Coach, Golf
• Laura Murphy – Team Manager, Mission Staff
• Kristienne Krnasty – Event Volunteer, Mission Staff
• Sydney Feeney – Event Volunteer, Mission Staff

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The locals are part of nearly 900 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 300 volunteer coaches and mission staff from across B.C. participating in the games.

Along with the sports the Vernon athletes and coaches will be involved in, the games will also feature basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and softball.

The 2025 Special Olympics B.C. Summer Games (SOBC) will run in Prince George from July 10 to 12.

“We are so excited to watch Special Olympics B.C. athletes shine in Prince George, and open hearts and minds to their abilities,” Michelle Cruickshank, vice president of sport for SOBC, said.

“Special Olympics B.C. sincerely thanks all the volunteers and sponsors involved with the 2025 SOBC Games and Special Olympics programs all across our province. We are so grateful for their commitment to building inclusion, respect, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.”