SOBC - Coquitlam

Join Us

Special Olympics athletes range in age from two years and up with many different backgrounds, interests, and levels of ability. They have the opportunity to get active in our youth programs or practice and compete year-round in the 18 sports we offer.

Athletes participate recreationally or strive to compete at regional, provincial, national, or international events. SOBC athletes also have opportunities for leadership roles in their communities by serving as athlete speakers, and fundraising and program volunteers.

Whether you are an athlete, volunteer or coach, participating in Special Olympics activities is a rewarding experience for all. Come join the fun!

 

Athletes

Taking part in Special Olympics gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends and discover your true potential.

Being a Special Olympics athlete means that you will train and play sports in your local community at a level that suits you. It also means that you are part of a big group of people who have your best interests at heart.

Before you decide to join Special Olympics, take a look at our requirements with your parent or guardian to make sure that you are eligible to participate.

Eligibility

Programs are open to individuals with an intellectual disability and are designed to increase fitness levels, develop individual and/or team skills and to promote sportsmanship and fair play. Individuals must be physically and mentally able to participate in Special Olympics programs, competitions, philosophes and codes of conduct. The minimum age is 8 years of age with the exception of the Active Start (ages 2 to 6) and FUNdamentals (ages 7 to 11) youth programs.

How to Register:

First-time athletes:
Please contact the SOBC Coquitlam Registrar for more information. SOBC Athlete Registration form and the Participation Waiver form can also be downloaded and printed.

An annual registration day is held in late August when athletes register for both Winter and Summer programs. The annual registration fee is $15.00 for each sport. Annual registration fees are capped at $50 (total) if the athlete wishes to register for four or more sports. Please note, however, that some sports may require additional fees to cover the costs of venue access or transportation. These additional fees can be paid at a later date.

Returning athletes:
Please fill out the SOBC Athlete Registration form and the Participation Waiver form.  Please send the completed form to the following address:

By e-mail:
Shari Workman

By regular mail:
SOBC Coquitlam Registrar
c/o Shari Workman
3878 Richmond Street,
Port Coquitlam, BC
V3B 3E8

Equipment Policy

Coquitlam Special Olympics provides all equipment and all uniforms for competitions for all programs, except for the following:

• all sport-specific footwear required for competition and practices
• all ski and snowshoe equipment
• snow program outerwear
• practice clothing or personal clothing items
• personal use equipment i.e. jockstrap, etc.
• softball gloves
• golf clubs

Volunteers

Volunteering with Special Olympics is an opportunity for you to make a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and make a meaningful contribution to your community.

As a Special Olympics volunteer, you bring enthusiasm, commitment, and a positive attitude to each practice, event, and competition, enriching the lives of the athletes you meet. In return, you develop relationships with athletes who inspire you with their dedication, perseverance, and courage. You will learn new skills, meet new people and gain unique experiences, enriching your own life in return.

Volunteers are required take the Special Olympics Canada online Volunteer Training Courses. For more information, see the SOBC Volunteers information on the SOBC website.

If you are ready to change your life and the lives of many Special Olympics athletes, please contact SOBC Coquitlam volunteer coordinator Shari Workman. You can also download a copy of the SOBC Volunteers & Coaches Registration form and the Participation Waiver form.

 

Coaches

As a Special Olympics coach, you bring enthusiasm, commitment and a positive attitude to each practice, event and competition, enriching the lives of the athletes you meet. In return, you will develop relationships with athletes who inspire you with their dedication, perseverance and courage. You will learn new skills, meet new people and gain unique experiences, enriching your own life in turn.

Becoming a coach with Special Olympics has many rewards. Along the way, we are always here to help. Our training programs are designed to ensure that you are able to meet the needs of any athlete involved in our organization with both confidence and skill.

At Special Olympics Canada we believe that one of the key ways to enrich the lives of athletes with an intellectual disability is to have quality volunteers and coaches at the grassroots level. With a passion for sports and with the appropriate level of sport technical knowledge, our coaches become leaders who will train athletes at all levels of competition and activity.

Special Olympics BC volunteers can fill the following coaching roles:

Head Coach

The head coach is ultimately responsible for all actions within his/her sports program. She/he determines and develops the yearly goals, seasonal plans and budgets along with the assistant coaches; regularly communicates with assistant coaches, program volunteers, athletes, parents/caregivers and local executive members; serves as the voice/spokesperson for the athletes/team; facilitates practices; ensures attendance, training and safety of athletes at practices; ensures all athletes attend a minimum of one competition; and delegates to assistant coaches/program volunteers. Must be 19 years of age or older, and must complete proper certification within first year.

Assistant Coach

The assistant coach helps head coach with all duties; assists with training and supervision of athletes at practices and competitions; regularly communicates with head coach. You must be 16 years of age or older, and must complete proper certification within the first year.

If you are interested in becoming an SOBC coach, please check out the additional information and coaching resources available on the SOBC website. You can also download a copy of the SOBC Volunteers & Coaches Registration form and the Participation Waiver.

Coaches are also required to take the Special Olympics Canada online Coaches Training Courses. You can also review the coach certification requirements on the SOBC website.

If you are ready to change your life and the lives of many Special Olympics athletes, please contact SOBC Coquitlam volunteer coordinator, Shari Workman.