Thirty athletes from Special Olympics BC Vernon enjoyed a fun-filled day at Silver Star Mountain Resort last month.
“This was our first Winter Festival. It was a huge success and with the support of Silver Star it all went very smoothly,” said Perry Doner, local program coordinator.
With heavy snow falling, Brewers Pond was transformed into a magical scene. Groups of athletes enjoyed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and tubing. For most of them this was the first time to get up to the mountain and try a new sport.
“Our goal is to get people with an intellectual disability out into the fresh air, being active and starting a new sport, which will lead to competitions throughout B.C. and ultimately the world,” said regional manager Leslie Thornley.
Special Olympics BC Vernon provides sports programs for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities. More than 100 athletes are enrolled in more than 14 different sports who train and compete throughout the year. The society strives to enrich lives, and celebrates personal achievement through positive sport experiences.
Summer sports start up this month and there is still room for athletes in soccer, track and field, softball, bocce and golf. For more information, please see www.sobcvernon.ca or call 250-503-0091.
