Competitions an opportunity for athletes to connect after four

years’ break

By Liz McDonald

500 athletes from across B.C. travelled to Sun Peaks and Kamloops in February to compete in the Special Olympics winter games, which included alpine races, snowshoeing, bowling, speed and figure skating, floor hockey, curling and cross-country skiing.

The 2023 Special Olympics BC (SOBC) took place from Thursday, Feb. 2 to Saturday, Feb. 4.

Sun Peaks hosted the giant slalom and super-G on Friday, Feb. 3.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Sun Peaks hosted a slalom event where attendees watched from the mountain's base, close to Sun Peaks Resort.

SOBC Games Chair Jan Antons said the event was a return to tournament competitions for athletes since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted.

“A lot of them have not returned to the sport or competition in tournaments for the last four years … there's going to be quite a lot of excitement and eagerness,” Antons told SPIN before the event.

Antons said COVID-19 impacted “athletes at all levels” and had a significant impact on SOBC athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“These games are more about enjoyment and getting together than the points or getting the highest score. And that's really what people see in these events, how many smiles and how joyful people are,” he said.

The opening ceremony was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at Tournament Capital Centre Fieldhouse in Kamloops.

Antons said those attending Special Olympic events should say hello to athletes if they see them.

“Say hi or wave at [the athletes] and make them feel welcome because that’s what [SOBC is] really about.”