Special Olympics: Soccer and golf season upon us

Maci, in the foreground, is new to golf this year and is working hard on her fundamentals. A dozen Special Olympians participate in golf. Photo submitted

Hi there Special O Fans! Mike here with another report on the remaining sports that are offered in the Spring/Summer season.

Soccer is a popular outdoor sport running on Mondays from April through June. There is such a call for it that there is a team in Sechelt and a team in Gibsons. The coach for Sechelt is Mike Gojevic and Gibsons Laurie Miller and Richard Hoath.

Both coaches help each player with drilling, passing and shooting and team play with 7 on 7 games. It is exciting to watch the skills of each athlete blaze glory across the fields. Awesome passes, razor sharp shots, both teams are awesome

There are some big games coming up. Our Sechelt team is playing the RCMP on June 22nd. Coach Mike Gojevic says, “We are looking for an exciting game like we did with Floor Hockey in the winter.” Gibsons will attend a tourney in Delta on June 13th and the final annual game between Gibsons and Sechelt will be on June 15th followed by the Annual General Meeting

Golf is another VERY popular sport; in fact it has a waiting list. Coach Chuck Bertrand and his volunteers teach experienced golfers and novices the fine art of the putt and the green. It takes place at the Sechelt Golf and Country Club (now Blue Ocean Golf Club) and is Wednesday evenings from April to June

This report came in from coach Chuck Bertrand about golf:

“This season we have 12 golfers coming out – some are experienced and some are new beginners. Many of the athletes have been working on the “Squish the Bug” technique and it has been very successful as all of them are hitting further and straighter.

Maci is new to golf this year, has been working very hard on her basic fundamentals.  She is now easily striking the ball 75-100 yards.

With the lovely weather we have had this spring, we have been fortunate to get out on the golf course almost every week.  We generally warm up at the driving range and then head out to golf a few holes. Big thanks to the Sechelt Golf & Country Club for supporting our program.”

On June 20th our annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet is an occasion for athletes, coaches and family members to dress to the nines and gather for socialization, food and a little dancing. We will also announce the winner of the latest raffle. I can hardly wait. If you would like to buy a ticket please call 604-885-2987. The prizes range from a signed Canucks hockey stick to passes for the Coast Gravity Park.

Local Coordinator Pat Stuart sent me some information on this year’s banquet…

“The Volunteer Appreciation Banquet will be held June 20 at the Sechelt Legion from 6-9pm.  This is an opportunity to recognize and thank all our wonderful volunteers.  Special recognition pins will be presented to 6 coaches who have volunteered for 5 years and 10 years.  Jeannie Barwise is 10 years, Chuck Bertrand 5, Marie Telder 5, Robert Wotton, 5 Tania Flynn 5, Randy Younghusband 5.”

That about sums it up SCSO fans. Next month is the World Games in Los Angeles! I know we are all excited. Till next time, keep on playing.

By Mike Oswald, Special Olympics Columnist