The month of April is always the start of a new cycle and the Vernon Special Olympic athletes are ready for it.
After a long and successful winter with seven different sport programs and several competitions that are leading to the provincial games in 2015, more than 120 local athletes start training in their summer sports.
Special Olympics B.C. Vernon provides sports program for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities. The society strives to enrich lives, and celebrates personal achievement through positive sport experiences.
“We are ready and the enthusiasm of our athletes and coaches is growing,” said Heidi Borgeaud, the local program co-ordinator
“More than 30 bocce players will be out in Polson Park every Saturday from mid-April on. Forty athletes are registered for alowpitch and the popular soccer, T-ball, golf and track and field programs are pretty much full as well. We would like to expand but we need more volunteers and more playing fields ”
The new and highly anticipated community sports facility at Okanagan College will help provide much-needed room for quality training not only for track and field but all other sport groups including this charity. Vernonites have always stepped up to volunteer at community events and for charities and Special Olympics BC — Vernon is reaching out to them.
“Volunteers are crucial to run our programs. As a coach you are a mentor, a role model and a friend,” said Britta Gretzmacher, alpine skiing head coach and a director of the board.
“The experience to help out, see your athletes develop and succeed in a sport you love and to enhance their live, is your reward and satisfaction.
“We are always looking for help in all levels of our programs, administration, fundraising and as a board member. Coaches training and development courses are provided for at no cost. We encourage locals to come out to the sports fields this spring and see what we are all about. I promise you will have a fun, rewarding and life-enriching experience,” said Gretzmacher.
For more information on how you can make a difference in someone’s life and to become involved as a volunteer go to: www.sobcvernon.ca or call 250-503-0091.
