Celebrating the 100-day countdown to the Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George, organizers, athletes, and supporters gathered at the Kin Centre Atrium on Tuesday, April 1.
It was no joke to see a standing-room-only crowd as Renee McCloskey, co-chair of the event, spoke about the upcoming games and thanked the volunteer organizers working together to ensure its success.
Lyn Hall, the other co-chair, also expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the event, which will see more than 1,100 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in 10 different sports at venues throughout the city.
Donna Flood, volunteer co-ordinator for the event, took the opportunity to once again call for 1,000 volunteers to register and help make the event a success for the Special Olympians.
The stars of the show, Special Olympics athlete ambassadors Marinka VanHage, Chase Caron and Adam Spokes, then took to the stage to remind the audience of the athletes' participation and how Special Olympics enhances their quality of life.
“Special Olympics is a big part of my life, and if I didn’t participate, I don’t know what I would do,” VanHage said. “I do 12 Special Olympics sports, and throughout the year I train with my fellow athletes, who are my friends. I’m very excited that the provincial summer games are in Prince George.”
Spokes, who has been an athlete for 12 years, spoke about how the games give him a reason to get out into the world with like-minded people.
“I’ve competed in provincials and nationals in a variety of sports, and I am proud of what I’ve accomplished — not only for our province and city, but definitely for our country,” Spokes said. “Special Olympics athletes, despite a lot of things, are serious about our sports. We’re serious about being athletes, we’re serious about showing up, and we’re serious about doing the hard work. The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games gives us a chance to showcase that.”
Caron discussed the impact the summer games will have on athletes competing.
“Special Olympics means inclusion, equal opportunity, and the celebration of the abilities of the differently abled,” Caron said. “It’s a platform for us to shine and showcase our talents. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate.”
He added that Prince George athletes will compete in 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, swimming, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and track and field.
Here’s a list of the Prince George athletes competing during the BC Summer Games:
- 10-Pin Bowling: Barbie Conway, Carol West, Linda Renner, Emilie Snyders, Debbie Bileck, Cindy Komoski, Michael Harris, Greg Cole, Greg Eveneshen, KC Westerman, Sean Demers, Timothy Jolicoeur
- Track & Field: Randella Willier, Marinka VanHage, Tyler LeFebvre, Spencer Rourke
- Aquatics: Dallas Poole, Brooklyn Sherba, Carla Caputo, David Dunn
- Bocce: Ruth Caldwell, Tara Chiasson, Issac Goudal, Adrian Rosen
- Golf: Rita Cavenaile, Josh Pudney, Daniel Lafreniere
- Powerlifting: Diana Bramble, Sam Russell, Leif Skuggedal
- Rhythmic Gymnastics: Darcie Muzychka, Michaela Samsonoff, Angela Hills
- Basketball: Chase Caron, Josh Mehrassa, Matteus Cordeiro, Audrey Nelson, Tegan Raines, Adam Spokes.
Following Caron’s remarks, the demonstration portion of the event took place, with Coach Dee Neukomm guiding her three rhythmic gymnasts through a display of rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon skills. The audience responded with resounding applause.
“Everyone in Prince George can help — you can volunteer, you can donate, you can come and cheer,” VanHage said with a smile. “You can be part of something great.”
For more information on how to volunteer for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George from July 10 to 12, visit www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia.
