If you enjoy sports and watching athletes perform live, you’re going to love what’s coming to Prince George later this week: the Special Olympics BC Summer Games.
More than 1,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities will take part in two days of competition across 10 sports, including basketball, 10-pin bowling, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming and track and field. The Games will also feature large-scale opening and closing ceremonies.
“It’s just a different vibe,” said Larry Chrobot, who will serve as referee-in-charge for the swimming events on Friday and Saturday.
“If you want a real heartfelt moment, you watch the athletes — they’re so inspired, they’re always smiling, they want to do well, and we’re going to make it happen.”
Chrobot was a swim official in 2001 when Prince George last hosted the Games. That event left a lasting impression.
“For me, the thing I take away most during Special Olympics is the athletes — even if they come in last, they’re happy,” he said. “They finished, they got a time, they got some applause, and they’re super happy — not just for themselves, but for everyone around them. They really relish the moment. I wouldn’t say they don’t want to win, but participating is their No. 1 driver, rather than winning.”
For months, Chrobot and a dedicated team of volunteer officials and marshals have been preparing for the two-day swim meet at the Prince George Aquatic Centre. Now, he says, it’s just a matter of letting it all unfold.
There are enough swim officials from the two local clubs — the Prince George Barracudas and the Prince George Pisces — to staff all the positions required for the meet. Chrobot hopes even more volunteers will step forward to get involved.
“For the officials, it’s our honour to be there for two days. It really is about creating an environment for the athletes to do their very best. We do that for all swim meets, but Special O has a different vibe — and multisport events are the best. People are really behind it. The volunteerism is next-level.”
The spectator capacity at the Aquatic Centre is limited to about 200 at any one time, and most of those seats will be filled by parents and families. However, because only a few athletes will compete in all eight swimming events, Chrobot expects a good turnover, giving other fans the chance to watch.
“If you’ve never experienced a Special O swim event, you’ve gotta go,” said Chrobot. “You get to see parents, athletes and coaches appreciate it on a different level — the expectations are just different, and it’s inspiring.”
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