Meet athlete Sash Barbour
Special Olympics BC – Nanaimo athlete Sash Barbour is committed to showing leadership, sportsmanship, honour, and inclusion throughout his athletic experiences. After a decade as a successful Special Olympics athlete, Barbour says this is "the greatest organization I’ve joined."
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and building inclusion through the power and joy of sport.
In 55 communities around the province, Special Olympics provides year-round sport, youth, and health programs and empowering competitions to more than 3,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and a wide range of ability levels.
Athletes access Special Olympics BC’s life-changing programs and competitions at low or no cost, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our 2,200 coaching and organizing volunteers, and the generous support of our sponsors and donors.
Meet Special Olympics BC’s amazing athletes like Sash Barbour, and be inspired to get involved today and change lives, including yours!
Nanaimo's Sash Barbour has been an active and determined Special Olympics BC athlete for 10 years.
He is a positive and passionate athlete with multiple competitions to his credit. In August, he competed with pride in his first Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Barbour shone in athletics at the 2026 National Games in Medicine Hat, specializing in field events. He earned gold in mini javelin, silver in long jump and high jump, and fourth place in shot put.
“It was a phenomenal experience that’ll last a lifetime,” Barbour says. His goal for the National Games was “to bring leadership and sportsmanship.”
Barbour has participated in a range of Special Olympics sports throughout his involvement, and currently concentrates on track and field and Club Fit. He has also participated in soccer, softball, powerlifting, floor hockey, and basketball over the years.
Barbour earned his spot on Special Olympics Team BC 2026 after winning four medals in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George. That included his first-ever high jump event in provincial competition, a highlight for his competition record. He also has competition experience from BC Games Special Olympics events.
It’s the greatest organization I’ve joined. It’s definitely worth becoming a part of Special Olympics.
During the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, Barbour shared his positive spirit with the Medicine Hat News. “The rain’s not going to get me, it’s just about knowing I can do it, whether it’s rain, shine or just anything really. Just put your heart in and believe what you can do and go for the best that you can have.”
Barbour has good advice for fellow athletes: “Rest, sleep, drink water, and listen to motivational music!” He believes in showing honour and bringing kindness and inclusion in his athletic pursuits.