Volunteer chair named for Special Olympics

SPORTS — Pat Davis, an experienced Kamloops project and sports leader, has been named the volunteer chair of the organizing committee for the 2015 Special Olympics B.C. Winter Games.

The Games are to be held in Kamloops, Feb. 19-21.

Davis, a Kamloops resident since 2003, has been a member of BCLC’s senior leadership team for six years. He is a certified project manager with experience engaging and leading diverse teams, and also has a sport background as an athlete and coach who has coached high school and under-19 teams.

“I am a firm believer in the positive benefits of sport, and have been involved in sports my entire life both as an athlete and coach,” Davis said in a news release.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of this event and to have an opportunity to help create lasting memories for the athletes we will be hosting.”

Lois McNary, SOBC’s vice-president, sport, said: “Pat’s background in project management will be invaluable as he helps lead the planning for this multifaceted event, and his background in sport gives him a great understanding of all that Special Olympics opportunities mean to our athletes.”

McNary is working with SOBC and Davis to establish the rest of the 2015 Games organizing committee.

The Games will feature 600 athletes from around the province going for gold in the seven SOBC winter sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing and speed skating.

In Kamloops, athletes will compete for the chance to advance to the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, Nfld., where the participants will seek to qualify for the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

More than 1,000 volunteers will be needed for the 2015 Games. If you are interested in getting involved, contact McNary by e-mail at lmcnary@specialolympics.bc.ca or phone toll-free at 1-888-854-2276.