From July 10 to 12, the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games provided a memorable display of the abilities of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the power of inclusion, thanks to the empowering experience hosted by the Prince George community.
Over two days of competition, 845 Special Olympics BC athletes achieved personal bests, podium placings, and countless moments of pride and inspiration in 10 sports across Prince George.
The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in figures:
- 870 athletes with intellectual disabilities ranging in age from 13 to 73 competed with determination
- 332 volunteer coaches and mission staff supported the athletes from their home Regions
- From 46 communities across the province
- 1,347 medals awarded to proud athletes
- 845 Games volunteers made the events possible
- Close to 10,000 meals served by dedicated volunteers
- 400 people with intellectual disabilities received valuable health advice and resources in Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings
- This is the third time Special Olympics BC Games have been hosted in Prince George, within the movement’s 45 years of enriching lives of B.C. athletes with intellectual disabilities through the power and joy of sport
Voices
Special Olympics BC – Kelowna athlete Ryan Courtemanche, gold medallist in golf at the 2025 SOBC Summer Games, and former Prince George resident: “I’ve been with Special Olympics for 38 years. I started my Special Olympics career right here in Prince George back in 1988. This is where I learned to play golf at Aspen Grove. Special Olympics has given me all kinds of opportunities to stay fit and stay healthy for the age that I am, and it provides me with good sportsmanship, connection with others, and chances for me to be able to be a role model for others. I’d like to give thanks to all the supporters who help all the athletes to be their very best, and to be included. There’s so many barriers out there, but Special Olympics does provide athletes to be included here. And the model I have always took pride in is the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath: ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’”
SOBC Games Co-Chairs Lyn Hall and Renee McCloskey: “We sincerely congratulate each and every one of the athletes who competed with determination, skill, and sportsmanship in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games. We are so proud of our community for coming together to offer such an outstanding experience and celebrate the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.”
SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe: “Prince George provided an outstanding Special Olympics BC Games experience for our dedicated athletes from across the province, and we are so grateful to all the Prince George volunteers and sponsors who came together with passion and pride to stage this important event. We also celebrate and thank all the athletes, volunteers, and supporters in the year-round Special Olympics BC programs in 55 communities across the province who made it possible to reach this empowering experience.”
Generous Sponsors of the 2025 SOBC Summer Games
- Host City: City of Prince George
- Platinum Sponsor: Canadian Tire Prince George
- Premier Partners: Canucks for Kids Fund and Province of British Columbia
- Gold Sponsors: The VINCI Canada Fund administered by Myriad Canada and Royal LePage Aspire Realty
- Bronze Sponsors: Canfor, Prince George Community Foundation, and Teck
- And all our valued partners – please visit www.SOBCGames.ca to see the full list
About Special Olympics BC
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sport. In 55 communities around the province, we provide year-round training and competitive opportunities in 18 different sports to thousands of athletes of all ages and a wide range of abilities, all offered at low or no cost thanks to the dedicated efforts of coaching and organizing volunteers and the support of generous sponsors. For more information, please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and TikTok @specialolympicsbc and on X @SpecialOBC.
To learn more about the empowering year-round sport, youth, and health programs offered by Special Olympics BC – Prince George, please find them online and on Facebook.