Special Olympics Canada partnered with Safeway stores in Western Canada from March 7 to 21 to bring greater awareness about Special Olympics, athletics for people with intellectual disabilities. They benefit from the transformative power and joy of sport.
The Special Olympics BC, 91原创 basketball squad visited Safeway鈥檚 Willowbrook store to help promote the campaign.
They are one of four basketball squads on SOBC鈥檚 provincial team for the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games in Vancouver. They qualified through their performance at the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games held in 91原创.
There are many 91原创 members on Team BC 2014 鈥� 91原创 has the most athletes on the Team BC training squad of any community.
Safeway鈥檚 annual campaign provides significant support for Special Olympics athletes and programs all over the province. Last year the Willowbrook Safeway store alone raised $2,136 for Special Olympics, and $419,595 was raised for Special Olympics across Western Canada.
Safeway customers who donated $2 to the campaign received five AirMiles Reward Miles. One hundred per cent of all funds raised go directly to support the programs and help local families.
鈥淭hrough their annual campaign and year-round support, Safeway has had a significant impact on the lives of Special Olympics BC (SOBC) athletes and programs throughout the province,鈥� said Dan Howe, SOBC President and CEO. 鈥淭he generosity of Safeway and their staff and customers provides critical support for SOBC鈥檚 empowering programs and events for more than 4,300 athletes in 57 communities around the province. And the awareness raised through Safeway鈥檚 campaign helps our communities become more inclusive, supportive, and respectful places. We are so grateful to Safeway and all who contribute to the campaign.鈥�
Jamie Robinson has been an SOBC Abbotsford athlete for 10 years, and she participates in everything from rhythmic gymnastics and curling to basketball and powerlifting. Her parents Doug and Kathie are Safeway employees, and Jamie is a Safeway alumna who enthusiastically volunteers with the Special Olympics events at Safeway.
鈥淪pecial Olympics has positively impacted Jamie鈥檚 life and helped her create a huge network of friends,鈥� says Kathie Robinson. 鈥淚t has helped her confidence. And it has opened her eyes to different sports that we would never have introduced her to because we don鈥檛 participate in them.鈥�
鈥淎s a company that proudly employs hundreds of people living with intellectual disabilities, we see firsthand the benefits the Special Olympics programs have brought to their lives. Our partnership with this amazing organization is a natural fit for us,鈥� said Mike Nash, vice president British Columbia, Safeway Operations, Sobeys Inc.
For more information, see Safeway Canada, Special Olympics British Columbia on Facebook. For more about Special Olympics Canada, see www.specialolympics.ca.
