Sprinting, jumping and throwing are all on the list of events one track and field athlete will take on during the Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George, July 10 to 12.
Spencer Rourke is training hard for his events — the 100-metre, 200-metre, standing long jump, shot put and turbo javelin — but he’s not doing it alone.
Head track and field coach Wilma VanHage has been involved with Special Olympics for the past 15 years.
“You see a lot of improvement and there’s always a lot of wonderful moments,” said VanHage.
“It’s so inspiring when you see an athlete and they try, try, try, and suddenly it clicks. They are amazing and a true inspiration to me. When you see them try so hard and then it finally works for them — it’s just like, wow — to be part of that is amazing.”
In addition to track and field, VanHage is head coach for snowshoeing and supports other programs including 10-pin bowling, rhythmic gymnastics, Club Fit (a mandatory program for all competitive athletes), and soccer.
“And if anyone needs me, I just come in and help,” VanHage said with a laugh.
“Marinka (VanHage’s daughter) does 12 sports, so I’m there anyhow. I help out where I can.”
Athletes competing in track and field alongside Spencer include Tyler LeFebvre, Marinka VanHage and Randella Willier.
The journey to the Games began with last year’s qualifiers in Smithers. Athletes wishing to compete in track and field had to participate in a minimum of four events, with a maximum of six.
“They could choose the events they wanted, and some athletes don’t want to run — and that’s okay,” VanHage said. “Most of them chose six events because you can always drop out, but you can only compete in the events you qualified for.”
While competition can be intense, VanHage said the camaraderie remains strong.
“It’s tough, but I have to tell the athletes that if they’re racing and someone falls, it’s sad, but they have to keep going. There will be someone to help that athlete,” she said. “But their instinct is always, ‘Oh, somebody fell, they need me.’ They’re not thinking about finishing the race — and that’s a tough part of competition.”
Competing at Masich Place Stadium is a big advantage for local athletes, VanHage added, as it removes the uncertainty of a new venue.
“We usually start our runs on the opposite side of the track, but now we’re using the official starting line for practices so they can get a feel for where they’re starting and finishing each race,” she said.
And there’s one component that will be hard to match.
“Having the fans behind them, cheering them on — especially their families — there’s a lot of pride in that,” VanHage said. “They always try hard, but now they’ve got more to prove to their community. It’s going to be amazing.”
VanHage said Spencer in particular shines when the pressure is on.
“Spencer always does better in competition — they shoot that gun to start the race and he just goes,” she said. “I never see such fast times as when he’s competing. When he’s in the zone, he does amazing. He’s very focused on competition day and always does extremely well.”
Spencer is a man of few words, but offered this sage advice on sprinting:
“Always run past the finish line because someone could pass you at the end.”
As for the standing long jump?
“I really enjoy it,” he said. “But javelin is my favourite.”
Sue LeFebvre, who coaches Spencer in turbo javelin and is the mother of fellow athlete Tyler LeFebvre, said his progress has been impressive.
“He’s worked really hard and has put his mind to it. He’s listened to advice, encouragement and suggestions — and he’s gotten much better,” she said. “He’s been great, and he’s just a lovely man.”
Spencer said he’s looking forward to the Games. One thing is certain:
“I will try my best.”
To learn more or to support the athletes by volunteering, visit: www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/2025-sobc-summer-games.
