Comox Valley Special Olympics BC has been enriching lives through sports for 39 years, providing year-round athletic training and competitive opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. They offer eight sport programs: athletics (track and field), aquatics (swimming), bocce, bowling, curling, floorball, Nordic skiing, and powerlifting. Athletes compete at local, regional, provincial, national, and even international levels, with a unique divisioning system that ensures everyone competes against peers of similar ability, so every athlete has a genuine chance to win and experience success.

For younger participants, they run FUNdamentals, a program for ages 5 to 11 that focuses on motor skill development, cooperative play, and sportsmanship. It’s a way to introduce kids to organized sports in a supportive, fun environment. Beyond competition, the organization runs a Healthy Athletes Program addressing nutrition education and social skill development, recognizing that athletics is about more than just the physical game.

The organization is one of 55 Special Olympics communities across BC, part of a provincial network with over 5,200 athletes. They actively recruit volunteers and coaches so if you’re interested in coaching or volunteering, contact them at [email protected]. Check cvso.ca for program schedules, athlete registration, and ways to support the organization.