Luncheon January 21
PE Karen presided over a full house of 21 members and guests. All were appreciating the mild week of weather and first sun in some time.
Karen introduced our 3 guest speakers from Special Olympics BC (SOBC) representing the South Okanagan. Reanne Holden spoke first in her capacity of Manager of Community Development in the Okanagan. She shared that SOBC's goal for the past 30 years has been to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and in turn, the lives of their families, friends and everyone they've touched. SOBC provides sports programs and competitions to more than 4300 SO athletes, year round, in 57 communities in BC. The amazing statistic though is that there are 3300 volunteers in support of them! The organization is international and totally athlete centered.
Lee Chic spoke next as the local volunteer/coordinator for SOBC. There are some 50 disabled athletes in the Osoyoos/Oliver corridor (only 2 in Osoyoos!) and they participate in 4 of the 18 sports played internationally; swimming, bowling, bocce and curling. Their ages range from 7 to 74. Lee introduced Alberto Holt as a Special Olympian from Osoyoos and he spoke proudly of his successes in swimming and bowling, even sharing a couple of his medals. All three were obviously and vocally proud and passionate about the program, exemplified by the story of Alberto having to actually fall down each time he bowls a ball and still loves the competition, without complaint.
The presentation was to create awareness and ask for interested volunteers for the program and specifically for the local competitions. The next one here is a 2 day bocce tournament June 11 and 12. As the date approaches, Karen will remind us and coordinate volunteers. Quite different from the Para Olympics that we are more familiar with, but just as worthy.
Remember that you read this here first...Richard McGuire, eat your heart out!
No speaker next week as it is our business/social meeting.
Giselle won the 50/50...so she will be back!
Great job Karen.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" .....SO Athlete's Oath.