Meet Athlete Ben Yu
In his two years as a successful Special Olympics BC – Vancouver athlete, Ben Yu has found confidence, community, and freedom in his sports.
Yu has been involved in Special Olympics bowling, swimming, curling, and softball programs, and is particularly cheerful during figure skating practices.
“Ben is such a joy to have on the ice,” coach Jessica Chapelski Souza says. “He comes on the ice and he flies around the rink.”
Though Yu can now skate circles around most, Chapelski Souza says he didn't start out that way.
Ben’s confidence on the ice has transferred to off-ice skills, says Heidi Yu, Ben’s mother. She says that her son used to be very isolated, but since joining Special Olympics BC, Ben has been excited to leave the house and attend every practice.
“He is socializing, seeing people and asking their name, and trying to make friends. … Before that he’d just stay home,” Heidi Yu says.
Along with finding confidence and connection through figure skating, Chapelski Souza has noticed Ben Yu’s autonomy increase.
“After he flies around for a little bit he is so able to focus. You can see that skating calms his body, calms his mind,” she says.
Heidi adds that Ben “likes spinning [and] likes his freedom.”
Chapelski Souza hopes figure skating gives athletes a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Chapelski Souza says seeing the joy on athletes' faces and how they transform through sport is one of the most rewarding parts of Special Olympics BC. Ben is no exception, as he always “comes on the ice with a big smile.”
“As a special needs kid, they need to build their confidence to be in society, make them feel like they are included, and let them know they have abilities instead of disabilities," says Heidi Yu, adding that she is so thankful to be a part of Special Olympics.
Article by Leah Warren, BCIT Online & Broadcast Journalism