Funds raised by the Sports Celebrities Festival presented by Wheaton Precious Metals help Special Olympics BC empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to gain confidence, acceptance, and pride through sport, and help the Canucks for Kids Fund provide vital opportunities, resources, and care to children and families throughout British Columbia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for Special Olympics BC athletes and the beneficiaries of the Canucks for Kids Fund including families at Canuck Place, and Canucks Autism Network participants. Too many people with intellectual disabilities are still being left behind and forgotten by our society. They knew the pain of loneliness long before COVID-19. For many Special Olympics BC athletes, our year-round sport, youth, and health programs are the primary place – or for too many, the only place – where they get vital social connections and healthy physical activity.

At Canuck Place, the impacts of COVID-19 made caring for a seriously ill child even more frightening and lonely for families. The pandemic was also very challenging for Canucks Autism Network participants and their families, with many being especially vulnerable to social isolation, depression, and anxiety.

While programs are restarting and operations are beginning to return to a sense of normalcy, there is a long road ahead to return to full operating capacity. Now more so than ever, Special Olympics BC, Canuck Place, and Canucks Autism Network need the support of our friends across the province.