Welcoming the Joy of Sport Gala presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, formerly the Sports Celebrities Festival
Over 27 years of the Sports Celebrities Festival, the event involved a range of elements and experiences. Today, the gala offers an elegant evening of inspiration and impact through the power and joy of sport.
This event has been known for its powerful demonstration of inclusion and respect for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and its lasting impact. Together we have raised more than $11.5 million to help Special Olympics BC change lives and break barriers through the power and joy of sport.
We collaborated with our community to create a new name, the Joy of Sport Gala, that reflects our meaningful and inspiring gala, and a new look that will equip us to grow and enhance our impact into the future.
About Special Olympics BC
Special Olympics BC offers opportunities to train and compete in 18 sports through year-round programs and local, provincial, national, and international competitions. Through these sports, the athletes gain more than just physical benefits from improved health and athletic abilities. Through their participation, they develop social skills and friendships while experiencing the joy of achieving goals and increasing their self-esteem.
“After joining Special Olympics, I have found much more motivation to compete and try hard.”
-Matthew Burns, SOBC – Mission athlete
Highlights from past events
2024
Watch Special Olympics BC athlete Ariel Taylor and her mother Tina Taylor speak at the 2024 gala.
2023
Watch Special Olympics BC athlete Cory Duhaime and his father Michael Duhaime speak at the 2023 gala.
2022
Watch Special Olympics BC athlete Katherine St. Amand speak at the 2022 gala.
2021
Enjoy the inspiration and entertainment in our second virtual show.
2020
Watch our star-studded and fun first virtual broadcast.
2019
Watch Special Olympics athlete Michael Langridge and Brandon Sutter inspire at the 2019 gala.
2018
Read the event recap of the 2018 gala.
2017
Watch Special Olympics athlete Alex Pang and Brandon Sutter impress at the 2017 gala.
2016
Watch Special Olympics athlete Frances Collison of Creston and Brandon Sutter inspire the audience at the 2016 gala.
2015
Read our event recap from the memorable 2015 gala.
