The Special Olympics BC Summer Games took place in Kamloops July 6-8. The event was a huge success, with participation from over 1550 athletes and coaches from across the province. The Summer Games occurs every four years, and includes 10 sports: bowling, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, and swimming.

Binnie was a Bronze Sponsor of the event, which gave us the unique opportunity to present several medals. Binnie’s representative at the Games, Manager Scott Campbell, presented medals to winning athletes in soccer and 5-pin bowling. Scott was kept busy at the soccer field, presenting over 120 medals to winners from each division.

Several of the athletes personally thanked us during the medal presentation for supporting the games – that was pretty special, when they are basking in their moment of glory, and they came up to thank us for helping make the games happen.

The athletes at the Games were full of excitement, competitive drive, and fun – our staff witnessed an impromptu dance party break out after the 5-pin bowling ended.

Binnie’s participation extended beyond sponsorship. With generous donations from our staff, who raised almost $1500, we sent four athletes to the games through the Draft an Athlete Program. We had the exciting opportunity to meet one of Binnie’s drafted athletes, Marilee Manning – a veteran swimmer at the Special Olympics. Senior Project Manager, Sharon Goddard was inspired by Marilee’s visit.

Not once did she mention wanting to win a medal – she was focused on doing her best and having family and friends cheer her on from the stands.

We are proud to have been able to support and participate in the Special Olympics BC Summer Games. Congratulations to all of the athletes that competed.