Twins win more than medals at Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George

During the Special Olympics BC Summer Games at Masich Place Stadium, 14-year-old twins Victoria and Rosy Hogan of Vancouver ran, jumped and threw their way through the track and field competition in Prince George on July 11 and 12.

“They are doing really well,” said their mom, Paula Hogan, about the girls’ results.

“This is their very first Games and their second year in Special Olympics. Along with track and field, they also compete in softball, and right now we’re looking at swimming as well.”

The girls each chose similar events for their track and field debut, including the 100 metres, 200 metres, long jump and javelin. Rosy branched off to run the 400 metres, while Victoria opted for the shot put.

“They both did really well in the long jump, which is fantastic,” Paula said. “Victoria took gold, Rosy took bronze.”

She added the event was a valuable opportunity for her daughters to grow through sport.

“It’s a wonderful chance for the girls to collaborate and connect through a shared experience while building camaraderie and friendships in such an inclusive, accepting environment. I think that’s really amazing for them.”

The trip to Prince George marked a new experience for the twins, who travelled independently on the team bus from Vancouver with the other athletes.

“They were independent from us for the first time, and it’s been really good for them,” Paula said.

“It’s been great for them to win some medals, but also to see other athletes’ techniques in the throwing events. I think it will inspire them to go back to practice, work on technique and train a little harder. Now they have a sense of the big picture. I don’t think they realized how special this opportunity was. Being on the spectrum, they often see things as more black and white.”

The learning curve had its moments. Paula pointed to Rosy’s confusion during the staggered start of the 400-metre sprint. She found it difficult to understand why some runners started ahead or behind her.

There were also sweet moments. Other parents came by to say how their children had connected with Victoria and Rosy.

“While competing, they’re high-fiving each other. To see the sportsmanship among all the athletes is so important for the girls as they develop friendships,” Paula said.

During the medal ceremonies on Saturday, Victoria sat among her peers after receiving one of her medals. A teen beside her noticed Victoria nodding off and gently opened her arms. Victoria leaned into the comforting embrace as the teen softly stroked her face and spoke gently, offering safe harbour amid the music, cheers and clanging cowbells.

It was a quiet moment of care among the chaos—one that will remain in the hearts of those who witnessed it.

Lheidli T’enneh Elder, UNBC Chancellor and CNC Cultural Advisor Darlene McIntosh visited the track and field events on Saturday morning.

“It’s very inspiring and just gives me hope,” McIntosh said of the Games.

“Here we get to see athletes who might not otherwise get seen, performing their best. It’s great to see how disciplined and excited they are to represent their regions. That just fills my heart. People aged 13 to 73 are competing. With so many volunteers and spectators, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Special Olympics athletes strive for excellence, Paula added.

“You see the effort and passion they bring to their sport—it’s in their heart and soul. That’s what sport should be about,” she said.

“And it doesn’t matter how they do—every athlete is cheered for, encouraged and supported here. It’s just wonderful.”

Victoria competed in the 100m, 200m, long jump, shot put and turbo javelin. She won gold in long jump and shot put, silver in javelin, bronze in the 200m, and placed seventh in the 100m.

When The Citizen spoke with the girls, Victoria had not yet received her silver medal for javelin and focused on her gold and bronze medals, hoping to complete the set.

Rosy, the more reserved twin, stepped away from the conversation briefly and returned holding the silver medal she’d earned in the 100m.

“You can have my silver medal,” she said, motioning to place it around her sister’s neck.

Victoria gladly accepted it—then later received her own silver for javelin.

Rosy competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and javelin. She earned silver in the 100m and bronze in long jump, came fourth in the 400m, sixth in javelin and seventh in the 200m.

Their dad, Terry Hogan, who volunteered as a photographer during the Games, was thrilled to hear coaches speak about how sociable the twins had been throughout the competition.

“The girls are making so many friends,” Terry said. “It’s been a great experience for them.”