Community Response To Games Was ‘Incredible’

They were the largest Special Olympics BC Winter Games ever, and by most accounts, they were one of the best ever.

More than 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities took part in the 2019 Games in Greater Vernon Thursday to Saturday, with over 1,200 medals handed out.

“Supported by more than 200 dedicated volunteer coaches and mission staff, the athletes competed in the eight SOBC winter sports, and the Greater Vernon venues – SilverStar Mountain Resort, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, the Greater Vernon Recreation Complex, and Lincoln Lanes – provided outstanding fields of play and warm welcomes,” says a media release from Special Olympics BC.

For results, click here for the SOBC website.

More than 800 volunteer shifts were covered during the event.

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Games Chair Glenn Benischek says the response from the community was incredible.

“In the Opening Ceremony, I told the athletes to give it their all and inspire us, and they absolutely did. I declare Greater Vernon inspired,” says Benischek said. “The response from this community was so incredible. So many volunteers and sponsors chose to get involved, and they brought such great energy and interest. Everyone I talked to was so positive.”

The top performers from the SOBC Games in Greater Vernon will qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which will be the national qualifier for the 2021 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Sweden. Team BC 2020 members will be announced in the spring.