Special Olympics looking for volunteers for 2015 Games

SPORTS — Special Olympics B.C. (SOBC) is appealing to Kamloops’ famous volunteer spirit as it prepares for the 2015 Special Olympics B.C. Winter Games.

SOBC said today (Thursday) that more than 1,000 volunteers will be needed for the Games, which will run from Feb. 19-21, with 600 athletes competing in seven winter sports.

The opening ceremony will be held Feb. 19, with competitions running each of the following two days.

Athletes will be involved in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

Regional qualifiers are being held now throughout the province with athletes working to qualify for the Kamloops Games. At the 2015 Games, those athletes will be looking for a chance to advance to the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, which will be held in Corner Brook, Nfld. The 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games are scheduled for Austria.

“It’s impossible to see Special Olympics Games and not be inspired,” Lois McNary, SOBC vice-president sport, said in a news release.

“Kamloops will be inspired by these determined athletes, by their sportsmanship and love of their sports, and by the dedicated coaches and volunteers who give them so much support and confidence.

“Special Olympics Games put our athletes in the spotlight to show all that they can do. We hope Kamloops will join us to make that happen next February.”

Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact McNary by e-mail at luminary@specialolympics.bc.c, or call toll-free 1-888-854-2276.