One month to go until Prince George hosts the BC Special Olympics

With one month to go, preparations are ramping up in Prince George for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, which will see more than 1,200 athletes, coaches, and mission staff from across the province gather for three days of spirited competition.

Running July 10 to 12, the Games will mark Special Olympics BC’s first Provincial Summer Games in eight years. Athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities will compete in 10 sports, aiming for personal bests and a shot at advancing to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta. That national event serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.

Organizers say the upcoming event is about more than just sport — it’s a chance to spotlight the talents of athletes too often marginalized or misunderstood.

“These Games give athletes the opportunity to shine and to change perceptions about people with intellectual disabilities,” said Renee McCloskey, co-chair of the 2025 Games Organizing Committee. “The Prince George community is proud to be welcoming the province to this inspiring event.”

Local athlete Chase Caron, who helped design the Games’ medal ribbon and serves as an Athlete Ambassador, captured the spirit of the event by encouraging fellow athletes to “let their brilliance shine.”

To help deliver the large-scale event, organizers are calling for about 1,000 volunteers to sign up at SOBCGames.ca. Co-chair Lyn Hall said volunteer support is essential to making the Games a success.

“We know Prince George has incredible volunteers, and we need every one of you to help us make this an unforgettable experience for the athletes,” Hall said.

Athletes earned their spots at the 2025 Summer Games through regional qualifiers held last year. Many have spent months training through local Special Olympics programs, supported by a province-wide network of volunteers.

Special Olympics BC offers year-round sports, youth, and health programming in 55 communities, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport and community connection.

The 2025 Summer Games will feature competition in 10 sports: 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming and track and field.

This will mark the third time Prince George has hosted a provincial Special Olympics event.

More event details, including schedules and volunteer opportunities, are available at SOBCGames.ca.