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| About Us | |||
HISTORY Special Olympics is a worldwide program providing sports training and competition for people with an intellectual disability. Sport Canada recognizes Special Olympics Canada as the main provider of these services to people who have an intellectual disability. In the early sixties Dr. Frank Hayden, a Toronto researcher, proved that given the opportunity, individuals with an intellectual disability could become physically fit and acquire the physical skills necessary to participate in sport. His work came to the attention of the Kennedy Foundation in Washington D.C., and led to the creation of Special Olympics. In 1968, Chicago hosted the first Special Olympics Games. Dr. Hayden called upon his friend Harry “Red” Foster to lead the Canadian team to Chicago and upon his return; “Red” began laying the foundation for the Canadian Special Olympics movement. From these modest beginnings, the Special Olympics movement has spread across the country. Incorporated in 1980, Special Olympics British Columbia
now joins over two million athletes from over 160 countries throughout
the world. | 
| OUR
MISSION STATEMENT “To provide individuals who have an intellectual disability the opportunity to enhance their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences.” Special Olympics BC Burnaby offers programs for individuals of all ages and ability levels. Athletes can train year round and have the opportunity to participate in local, provincial, national, and international events, no matter their developmental level. There is equal opportunity for everyone. Special
Olympics BC Burnaby is first, and foremost, a sport organization. We
treat the athletes as athletes, and as equals. We promote effort, dedication,
and fair play in sport. In return, Special Olympians introduce us to
what is best in ourselves. They show us that their spirit measures true
heroes, not by their medals. The Athlete Oath evidences this: Burnaby
Culture: | |
Number
of Athletes Burnaby: 124
Number of Volunteers Burnaby: 60 | |||
Sports Programs Offered: | |||
Summer
Sports Winter
Sports | |||
