Photo: File photo

The games are drawing near and once again the call is going out for more volunteers.

The BC Special Winter Olympic Games will take place in Vernon Feb. 21-23 and will feature more than 800 athletes with intellectual challenges as well as volunteer coaches from across the province.

To make the games happen, 800 volunteers are needed with half that many already signed up.

There is a wide range of rewarding roles available, ranging from sport and food services to transportation and security.

Particularly being sought are floor hockey referees and Special Olympics floor hockey training can be provided.

Also in high demand are volunteers with medical and health-care backgrounds such as nurses, licensed practical nurses and care aides.

Registration can be done online or at the 2019 SOBC Winter Games office, located at VantageOne Credit Union, 3108 33 Ave. The entrance to the office can be accessed using the VantageOne Leasing entrance, on 31st Street.

For more information, contact the SOBC Games office at [email protected] or call 236-426-0109.

Provincial games are exciting and empowering experiences for Special Olympics athletes. For many, these games offer their first opportunity to experience the joy of travelling and being part of a team. The dedicated competitors will be shooting for personal-best performances, and they will also be chasing the opportunity to advance to national and international levels of competition.

Top performers in Greater Vernon will qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which will be the national qualifier for the 2021 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Sweden. 

Greater Vernon is already home to outstanding Special Olympics athletes, volunteers, and programs, as SOBC – Vernon runs 16 year-round sport, youth, and fitness programs, but this will be the first time that SOBC Provincial Games have been hosted here.