Opportunities for virtual events still exist everywhere

COVID-19 is still very real, and province-wide restrictions have been extended. Getting back to the old normal seems an eternity away. SOBCs many guidelines are being met in different ways across the province, but here on the Coast, in-person programs are on hold. However, many opportunities for virtual events still exist everywhere.
Coach Richard Hoath has initiated some virtual training sessions. A small group of basketball players meet on Zoom once a week for half an hour. Any other local coaches and athletes who wish to keep in touch this way can contact Community Development Coordinator Chelsea Rogers crogers@special
olympics.bc.ca, and she will set you up.
SOBC also offers:
• SOBC Basic Sport Skills gives athletes tools to continue training in their particular sport.
• SOBC Winter Warrior provides a calendar chock full of challenges to keep athletes fit and healthy.
• SOBC Music Movers lets athletes move and work on fitness in a fun way.
Find even more tools on the website specialolympics.ca/british-columbia.
Twelve athletes and mentors registered for a Virtual Athlete Speaker course to improve speech writing skills and public speaking techniques.
On Feb. 3, Mark Tewksbury past chair of Special Olympics Canada and champion Olympic swimmer kicked off a series of webinars on Volunteer Professional Development for coaches and volunteers. Volunteers are caring, dedicated and selfless individuals who bring joy, knowledge and skill to any organization, but this is especially true of Special O.
In January, we learned that Basketball Coach Marion will be leaving the Coast and leaving big shoes to fill in this sport. Thank you, Marion, and good luck in the
future.
Some other coaches and volunteers have also faced challenges and stepped aside. So, when programs become fully operational, we will call for new volunteers to fill the gap. Maybe you will heed the call: contact Volunteer Coordinator Marney Qually ronandmarney@gmail.com to learn more.
SOBC and our local executive are doing everything they can to keep athletes and volunteers interested and engaged. Thanks for keeping our spirits up and the organization afloat.
On a final note, thank you to the donor who made a contribution to SOSC in memory of a dear friend Ken McBride. Ken was known to all in the community as a talented musician, mentor and beloved figure to all the athletes. He had a special place in our hearts.