Special Olympics BC will be hosting its regional track and field meet in Smithers on June 29.
The meet will give northern B.C. athletes a chance to compete to qualify for the provincial Special Olympics in 2025, which will be taking place in Prince George.
Sandra Schuffert is a coach for the Special Olympics in Smithers and her son, Torben, a highly decorated Smithers SO athlete, will be competing in the upcoming competition.
Schuffert got involved over a decade ago so her son could be involved in sports and recreational activities.
“It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” Schuffert said.
The games have had a huge impact on Torben, who is now 23.
“Not only my son, but every athlete I have coached, such a difference," she said.
"Some athletes lived unhealthy lifestyles before [joining]... and just witnessing those things is amazing.”
Currently, Special Olympics are looking for more volunteers for the Smithers games. Schuffert encourages people to get involved with the program.
“For most people, it is the first time they volunteer in an environment surrounded by people with intellectual disabilities," she said.
"I always find you go to the weekly practice and you are tired... and you get energized because everyone is cheering. Everyone is happy at a Special Olympics competition... and they wish each other luck from the bottom of their heart.”
Torben is excited to compete in the upcoming tournament and enjoys running and staying active.
“It is important to me. It keeps me fit and I am more confident,” he said.
Torben wants more people to be aware of the games.
“If you get more involved with people with intellectual disabilities and know how amazing we are, we can have more friends and do even greater things,” he said.
Even though the Special Olympics have been around for more than 50 years, Schuffert says people still confuse them with the Paralympic Games.
“We cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities... and most people have never heard about it,” she said.
“Every person is important and has something unique to give to society. I wish people would be opening their hearts and minds more towards people with an intellectual disability.”
The first Special Olympics game in Canada took place in Toronto in 1969 and was created for people with intellectual disabilities. The goal was for them to have a place to form a community and feel welcome, while also staying physically active.
Next year will be the third time Prince George has hosted the provincial games.