Special Olympics of British Columbia Invermere (SOBC – Invermere) is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport since 2010. They provide year-round recreation, sports, training and athletic competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities residing in the Columbia Valley. SOBC Invermere is one of 55 local community programs operating as part of Special Olympics British Columbia. According to Blair McFarlane, local Program Coordinator, their program is about more than just sports. “We foster healthy activity and habits, build sportsmanship and friendships, and have fun!
Utilizing a 2023 grant for 2024 programs, SOBC Invermere marked many exciting milestones and changes within the organization, both in terms of programming and volunteer participation. In particular, the soccer program was the first youth-oriented activity offered in recent years, and was made possible by new involvement from dedicated parents and volunteers. FUNdamentals, a mobility and games-based program, was added to the youth activity roster as well.
Adult programming also continued to expand thanks to broad partnerships with community partners and volunteers as well. Swimming at Fairmont Hot Springs pool was reintroduced after a several – year hiatus to the delight of participants. The impressive array of indoor and outdoor activities offered includes everything from alpine skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort and golf at Copper Point Golf to ClubFit mobility and exercise classes at Valley Fitness Centre and bowling at Valley Alley Bowling. One athlete was even able to attend a golf competition in Cranbrook thanks to program support.
The year also saw changes in the volunteer board service, with the departure of three long-time board members, Mike Fairhart, Gee and Willem De Ruyter, who each served for more than decade. With the support of dedicated volunteers like these and funders like the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Special Olympics BC – Invermere remains committed to providing inclusive sport opportunities, fostering active lifestyles, and building community through sport.
This grant was provided by the Jim & Gaetane Ashworth Community Fund and the Wittke Family Fund.
SOBC – Invermere has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Columbia Valley through sport since 2010. Currently, SOBC – Invermere offers alpine skiing, cross country skiing, club fit, bowling and golf. They are hoping to implement more activities upon the recruitment of coaches/volunteers.
To get involved, contact the Local Coordinator at invermere@specialolympics.bc.ca