The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has given a big boost to local Special Olympians on the eve of the Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George.
The donation was made possible thanks to the Prince George community, which nominated Special Olympics athletes for the PGCF’s Community Choice Grant.
PGCF narrowed the nominations down to 10 organizations, and Special Olympics athletes were selected as the winning recipients through a random draw.
The grant is part of a celebration marking $10 million in total grants awarded to the community.
Rae-Ann Noonan, executive director of PGCF, said she was thrilled the community selected local athletes to benefit from the donation.
“I think it’s a great organization. I’m really happy that it came to Prince George. I think there’s been a lot of focus on it, a lot of volunteerism. I think it will provide commerce to our community as well, and it’s a great community booster. It’s a feel-good event,” she said.
The funds will support athletes’ travel costs, coaching and athletic development. A portion will also help cover expenses for the provincial games.
Former mayor Lynn Hall, who is also co-chair of the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, said it was a pleasure to meet athletes and community members during the cheque presentation.
“It’s all about camaraderie. It’s all about making friends,” said Hall. “It’s just a different sense when you’re around Special Olympics athletes, and I try to convey that. We’re trying to convey that when we go out and talk about the Games.
“But I think if you don’t see it firsthand, sometimes it’s a little difficult to really grasp the excitement that these athletes not only have among themselves, but how it just permeates throughout the entire community that’s watching them.”
Michelle Cruickshank, vice-president of sport and programs for Special Olympics BC, told The Citizen the Games often leave a lasting legacy in host communities.
“We’re aware of just the incredible community support there is for the local Special Olympics program here,” said Cruickshank. “A lot of the reason we come into communities to host the Games is that awareness does increase, and it leaves, essentially, a bit of a legacy behind for the local program to continue receiving that support, whether it be financial or in terms of volunteers and people coming to help out.
“Prince George is doing an incredible job.”
