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Special Olympics BC January,2025 Newsletter

Red banner featuring the Special Olympics British Columbia logo, text, and the word Newsletter in white, proudly advocating for diversAbility in sports.
Red banner with textured background featuring the Special Olympics British Columbia logo and the word Newsletter in white text, celebrating DiversAbility and championing self-advocates.

The 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games are nearly here!

Three men stand on an ice rink, smiling with their arms around each other, embodying the spirit of self-advocacy. They wear jackets, and behind them are red banners and wooden roof beams, creating a joyful and casual atmosphere.

The excitement is building—are you ready? 🎉 The Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 Training Squad members are putting in their best efforts as they prepare to compete at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 16, 2025.

We’re thrilled to celebrate 22 incredible athletes and 13 passionate coaches and mission staff from Special Olympics BC who are part of this squad, working hard to represent Canada on the world stage. Among them is Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam alpine ski coach Mark Schnurr, one of the coaches preparing to lead the team to extraordinary heights in Turin.

“Working with these great Special Olympics athletes and coaches will bring a smile to your face each and every day you see them. Special Olympics has had a huge role in who I am today.”

-Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam coach Mark Schnurr

Mark actually met his wife through Special Olympics! Today, he says the organization has given him opportunities to create meaningful friendships, travel to new places, and spend time with joyful athletes.

We can’t wait to cheer the #SOTeamCanada25 Training Squad on in March! Tune in to SOBC’s website and social media for coverage to come.

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More sport & program opportunities

 

Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut returns January 31 to February 2

Two smiling individuals wearing glasses and yellow shirts, proudly displaying the Special Olympics logo, stand in front of a display case with donuts. One, a dedicated self-advocate, sports several medals around their neck, while the other holds ribbons.

The Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut is back from January 31 to February 2! Special Olympics Donuts will be available for purchase in participating stores across Canada. Rally your friends, family, and teammates to visit a Tim Hortons to enjoy this delicious donut while supporting Special Olympics. 🙌

The Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs. With your help, we can make this campaign a big success, showing all of Canada the power of inclusion. ❤️

Pictured above are Special Olympics BC – Creston athletes Laila Currie and Claire Lemaire who joined Tim Hortons to champion inclusion!

“I’ve watched her grow and become such a confident swimmer thanks to Special Olympics. I enjoy seeing her so busy, hanging out with her friends and getting exercise. And loving it too, because that’s the important part.”

-Cian Currie, sister to Special Olympics BC – Creston athlete Laila Currie

For all orders of 6 or more Special Olympics Donuts, we strongly encourage you to use the Tim Hortons Pre-Order Form to guarantee your donuts are ready when you are!

🏊‍♀️ Read more about Laila
🍩 Tim Hortons Pre-Order Form

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More fundraising & awareness opportunities

 

Story Spotlight

Torben Schuffert’s journey is one of perseverance, growth, and the power of community. Torben’s love for sport has grown over the years, and today, he participates in track and field, swimming, alpine skiing, Club Fit, and Fit Families & Friends with Special Olympics BC.

Amidst snow-covered terrain, a self-advocate joyfully runs in snowshoes, wearing a red numbered vest, colorful sleeves, black pants, and a bright yellow headband. They smile against the backdrop of trees and a forested landscape.

“My sports make me feel happy, I am part of a team. I am a healthy and fit person. I am a proud athlete. Because I am happy with myself, I can support my teammates and be happy for them.”

-Special Olympics BC – Smithers athlete Torben Schuffert

Read more about Torben in viaSport British Columbia’s #YearOfYou series! viaSport works in collaboration with the sport community, including Special Olympics BC, to advance high-quality sport experiences that make sport better.

A rectangular button with a greenish-gray background and rounded edges features the text Learn More in white, centered, inviting you to become a self-advocate.

More Special Olympics BC stories

 

Stay connected for Special Olympics BC stories, news, and more:

  

 

 

Special Olympics BC
210-3701 Hastings St.
Burnaby, B.C. V5C 2H6
1-888-854-2276
info@specialolympics.bc.ca
www.specialolympics.bc.ca

 

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Logo for SelfAdvocateNet featuring a drawing of the Earth surrounded by people holding hands. Text reads, SelfAdvocateNet and Our Voice, Our Strength in bold letters.
Red text on a transparent background reads A BIG Thanks to our Sponsors! in a bold, cursive font.
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