Special Olympics BC needs volunteer coaches in Prince Rupert to help ensure that people of all ages with intellectual disabilities can continue to play sports recreationally and competitively during the coming sports season.
“There is a whole bunch of athletes in Prince Rupert that have been a part of Special Olympics BC for many years, but over the past year all of the coaches that used to run programs in town have stepped aside, so the athletes are no longer getting to play,” explained Special Olympics BC’s Manager of Community Development, Kristin Webster.
There are 18 winter and summer sports for volunteer coaches to choose from, with sporting programs generally lasting for twelve weeks, between September and June.
No previous experience is necessary, however people must be at least sixteen years old and have a clean criminal record. Coach certification training and professional development will be available to volunteer coaches if they please.
“If someone has never coached before, and they want to try it out, we will start them up and get them trained and whatever else they need to get going,” said Webster.
According to Webster, previous coaches have said volunteering is really inspirational, the athletes are great, and it’s really fun experience overall.
Anyone wanting to volunteer their time to coach a team in the region is encouraged to contact Webster via telephone at 250-570-1455 or by email at kwebster@specialolympics.bc.ca
Special Olympics BC is a non-profit organization that started back in 1980, running as two weekends of games with about 500 people participating. Over thirty years later, the non-profit organization provides year-round sports programs and competitions for almost 4,000 athletes in 55 communities across the province.