Getting ready for more than 2,000 participants from across Canada expected at UBC next summer is no small task, but one that will be richly rewarding.
“UBC is thrilled to be hosting the Games; our community is eager to get involved, work with these extraordinary athletes and make the event a success,” says Louise Cowin, UBC’s Vice President, Students. “For many of our students, the Games offer an unparalleled opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of intellectual disabilities and inclusion and I look forward to seeing the long-term impact of this partnership.”
During the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, which take place July 8 to 12, the campus will be transformed into a hub of activity, hosting 2,000 athletes, coaches, officials and mission staff in the Athletes Village, the opening and closing ceremonies, and eight of the eleven sporting events in world-class athletic facilities.
Here are a few quick facts about the competition:
• Over 1,000 students and community volunteers will help make the Games a success. UBC students are already involved in training camps to help B.C. athletes prepare for competition
• The Games will set a new standard in sustainability by promoting human and ecological wellbeing. UBC will run a lifecycle assessment of the Games to quantify environmental impacts and identify areas to minimize the footprint
• UBC last hosted the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in 1990
• Residence facilities will be converted into an Athletes Village to accommodate up to 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials
• The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre will host the opening and closing ceremonies and is the first venue in the world to host the Olympics, Paralympics, and a major Special Olympics event
• Eight sporting events will be held on campus:
- Athletics – Rashpal Dhillon Track & Field Oval
- Basketball – War Memorial Gymnasium
- Bocce –Thunderbird Park Rugby Fields
- Rhythmic gymnastics – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
- Soccer – Thunderbird Stadium
- Softball – Thunderbird Park Baseball Field
- Swimming – UBC Aquatic Centre
- Powerlifting – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
- Golf will be held at the University Golf Club on the UBC Endowment Lands
- 5 and 10 pin bowling will be held off campus at the Zone Bowling Centre in Richmond)
Related story: Kinesiology grad Raymond Wong helped Special Olympics athletes prepare for the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games
