Invermere Special Olympics groups seek volunteers to re-establish bowling and Club Fit programs and figure skating
By Steve Hubrecht
The Invermere chapter of Special Olympics B.C. (SOBC) recently finished its golf program, capping off a summer that saw one of the valley’s local Special Olympians swing his way to a bronze medal.
Andrew Galligan earned the bronze at the recent regional Special Olympics golf tournament at Mission Hills golf course in Cranbrook, when he shot a personal best.
Galligan was one of four Columbia Valley Special Olympians participating in the Special Olympics golf program this summer. The group practiced and was coached at the Copper Point golf course.
“We have been hosting the Special Olympics golf program here (at Copper Point) for the past five years and it has been amazing to watch the progress of these athletes,” said Dennis Bradley, program head coach and Copper Point director of instruction. “From starting with how to hold a golf club and put a ball on a golf tee, we’ve had golfers reach the point of being able play the course and attend out-of-town tournaments.”
Bradley added the golf program is, “not just about learning the sport of golf but also an opportunity for some exercise, physical activity and fun”.
The Invermere Special Olympics group is a nonprofit entity that offers sports and recreation activities for local residents with intellectual disabilities.
The group was forced to pare back its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping just its summer golf program and a shortened version of its winter ski program. But restrictions eased earlier this year and Invermere Special Olympics is now striving to bring back its popular bowling and Club Fit programs. It also wants to offer figure skating this winter, in addition to alpine and nordic skiing.
To do so, they need a few more volunteers to step forward.
“Our biggest challenge today is finding enough volunteers for our programs. We need coaches, assistant coaches and activity volunteers for all activities,” said Invermere Special Olympics local coordinator, Mike Fairhart, and added the group is also looking for a treasurer and public relations coordinator.
Fairhart extended a big thank you to Copper Point for its support of the Special Olympic golf program.
Anybody interested volunteering or becoming a Special Olympics participant should contact Special Olympic group member Willem de Ruyter at 250 341 3995 or [email protected].
