Are you looking for a way to play sports, be inspired and have an impact on your community?
Join thousands of volunteers like Cathy Sim, who have found involvement with Special Olympics BC a fulfilling, rewarding and life-enriching experience.
“I just love it. When I greet my athletes at the pool or on the ball field they always make me smile,” said Sim, the new softball head coach for Special Olympics BC (SOBC) Vernon. “I leave all the daily stress and worries behind and focus on the needs of my group, who in return inspire me with their dedication, perseverance and courage. This year we’ll be practising at the Army Camp, DND #2, Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m.”
Sim has been a volunteer coach for four years with the swim team and one and a half years with the softball team and has taken over the head coach position from longtime volunteer Graig Carter, who has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 20 years.
“You are a mentor, a role model and a friend, enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities,” said Carter. “The experience to help out, see the athletes develop and succeed in a sport you love and to enhance their lives, is your reward and satisfaction.”
Carter had two athletes from his softball team attend the World Games in Athens four years ago.
“But our programs are not only about winning medals or attending games, it is more about the sportsmanship, camaraderie and the life skills these amazing people learn through sports.”
SOBC, a registered charitable organization, provides high-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The SOBC Vernon Local offers 14 different summer and winter sports, with more than 140 athletes participating throughout the year. Volunteers are crucial for the success of this charity and there is always a need for more coaches and assistants.
“The over 30 athletes on the softball team are in urgent need of help. If we do not get more volunteers we have to send a lot of disappointed athletes home, which will break my heart,” said Sim.
For more information on how you can make a difference in someone’s life and to become involved as a sports volunteer for softball, soccer, and track and field, go to: www.sobcvernon.ca, e-mail volunteers@sobcvernon.ca or call 250-503-0091.
