Special Olympics BC volunteer first stepped up at age 8

Sydney Hall was just eight years old when she first volunteered with the Prince George Special Olympics organization, helping box jerseys ahead of the 2001 Special Olympics BC Summer Games. It was a small start to what would become a long-standing commitment to a community that means everything to her.

Now 32, Sydney is once again lending her time, energy, and heart to the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, taking place in Prince George from July 10 to 12. For her, this year's Games are another opportunity to give back to a program she’s been deeply involved with for nearly 14 years.

Her journey into active volunteering began at 18, when an email seeking volunteers was sent to her university soccer team. As a UNBC Timberwolves player, she stepped up and never looked back.

“It started with a sport I loved and then meeting the athletes and getting to know them as more than athletes — they’re my friends now,” said Sydney. “The passion they have for the sport and the joy that Special Olympics brings them is like none other.”

Today, Sydney serves as both a soccer coach and the volunteer coordinator for the Prince George Special Olympics committee. Her roles span everything from planning practices to helping athletes qualify for regional and provincial competitions. She’s also part of the mission staff for the 2025 Summer Games, coordinating logistics for athletes, coaches, and other volunteers.

“For my role as a soccer coach, we definitely try to do drills we do at UNBC and sometimes we just modify them, just like any other athletic program,” she explained. “Some of our athletes are super versatile, and others have strengths in specific positions. The important thing is that they always give it their all.”

She’s proud to be part of a program that offers year-round sports including swimming, basketball, golf, curling, powerlifting, and more. Open to anyone aged 13 and up with intellectual disabilities, the Prince George Special Olympics has no upper age limit and no cap on participation.

“They’re going to be stuck with me for a while,” Sydney laughed, speaking of her commitment to the local program. “Volunteering makes my day better. It always reminds you of the impact you can have on people’s lives just by sharing a few hours of your time.”

While Sydney’s work has taken centre stage, volunteering for the Games is still a family affair. Her father, Lyn Hall, is co-chair of the organizing committee —reprising the same role he held in 2001 when Sydney first got involved.

“It’s always super exciting to get to work with your family,” she said. “This is a very rewarding experience.”

Lyn, a longtime advocate for Special Olympics in Prince George, says he’s proud of his daughter’s dedication.

“She considers those athletes part of her circle of friends,” he said. “We’re very, very proud of her.”

Behind the scenes, the logistics of hosting the Games are immense: 10 sports, accommodations across four high schools, meals, transportation, and programming for up to 1,700 athletes, coaches, and support staff. Lyn and his co-chair, Renee McCloskey, lead a team of over a dozen directors working hard to bring it all together.

But for Sydney, the Games remain rooted in the athletes.

“My big takeaway is always about how hard they work and how excited they are,” she said. “They’re always so appreciative. They make it worth it every single time.”