Richmondites are being invited to celebrate the Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion next week.
Running from July 18 to 24, the virtual event calls for people to make their communities more inclusive by volunteering with the Special Olympics’ year-round programs or donating to the organization.
The City of Richmond has also issued a proclamation to honour the Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion.
According to Special Olympics British Columbia (SOBC), many Special Olympics athletes knew the pain of isolation and exclusion long before the pandemic.
Special Olympics athlete Ashley Adie was one of them.
“Before the Special Olympics, I didn’t have many friends and had trouble making friends,” she said.
“I often felt left out and excluded because of my differences. Special Olympics made me feel awesome and comfortable in my own skin.
“The athletes and coaches helped me realize my potential and the value of being on a team.
“They saw, and helped me to see, the ability I didn’t see in myself. Being involved and included in Special Olympics has helped me not only with sports, but also in other aspects of my life – like my work and social life.”
People who are interested can tune into the virtual 2022 Special Olympics BC Awards Ceremony on July 20 at 6 p.m. on the SOBC Facebook Page.
The ceremony, hosted by legendary broadcaster Bernie Pascall, will recognize the contributions of SOBC athletes, volunteers and sponsors through annual awards.
